WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao's Crime Prevention Fund holds over sixty million guilders in the bank and has 43.4 million guilders available this year for investing in crime-fighting projects. This is outlined in the Ministry of Justice's policy plan for 2024. Over fifteen million guilders are being set aside to cover obligations.
The funds will be distributed across various projects focused on improving safety, preventing crime, and re-socializing former inmates.
The Crime Prevention Fund is primarily funded by fines and the sale of forfeited goods. In 2024, the fund will support various priorities, including prevention programs and projects targeting youth crime.
The Minister of Justice has decided to invest significantly in programs that help former inmates reintegrate into society, alongside punitive measures. This includes programs aimed at guiding ex-inmates into the job market and even starting their own businesses.
Key Projects
Several major projects have been earmarked for funding in 2024. For instance, 8.4 million guilders have been reserved for strengthening enforcement by the Curaçao Police Force (KPC).
Additionally, 2.5 million guilders will be invested in mobility and re-socialization projects within the SDKK prison. The Juvenile Detention Center Curaçao (JJIC) will receive 1.4 million guilders to improve vocational training and mobility, with a focus on re-socialization.
Another important project is the improvement of housing and digitalization for the Landsrecherche, for which 1.5 million guilders have been allocated. Furthermore, 2.1 million guilders will be spent on expanding surveillance cameras across the island, a key measure in combating crime.
Future Investments
The fund also includes long-term projects. This includes investing in human trafficking prevention (500,000 guilders) and plans for further strengthening the Fire Department's infrastructure, with 6.7 million guilders reserved. All of these efforts aim to contribute to a safer Curaçao, focusing on both crime prevention and enforcement.
The Minister of Justice emphasizes that the Crime Prevention Fund is a crucial component of the judicial policy, and that the projects funded by the fund directly contribute to the public's sense of safety.