WILLEMSTAD - Ministers are not adhering to legal and internal procedures for their personal security, resulting in exorbitant overtime expenses. This is revealed in the report 'Overtime Police' from the General Audit Chamber of Curaçao. 

Between 2018 and 2021, the costs for the security and surveillance of authorities skyrocketed to shocking amounts, reaching a peak of 1.3 million guilders in 2021, representing 64% of the total overtime expenses for security and surveillance. 

Despite the 2018 Policy Safe Public Sector, which provides clear guidelines for the security level of government officials, it is evident in practice that all ministers demand permanent security well above the basic level without an official threat assessment. 

This practice disregards the procedure where a committee assesses the risk of threats to determine the necessary level of security. 

Preference 

The procedure for assigning security personnel, established to prevent preferences, is also not followed. Information indicates that authorities prefer specific personnel as security, with ministers, sometimes bypassing the police chief, contacting the officer or their supervisor directly. 

This leads to situations where security personnel are forced into excessive overtime, sometimes up to 300 hours in one month, which can amount to three times their regular salary. 

Lack 

The Audit Chamber's report also emphasizes a serious lack of control over overtime hours for the security of authorities, with overtime often occurring without prior authorization. 

The overtime expenses, entirely borne by the budget of the Ministry of Justice, are not adjusted for these unforeseen expenditures. This undermines the ability of the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) to effectively control these costs. 

Change 

These practices highlight an urgent need for change. Ministers must adhere to established policies and procedures, with a transparent and lawful approach to their security needs. The report calls for stricter compliance with the rules and better control over overtime expenses to reduce the financial burden on the government. 

The General Audit Chamber emphasizes the need for ministers to take responsibility and respect the law, in the interest of transparent and cost-effective government operations.