WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's police force could receive a major technological and operational upgrade under a proposed modernization program financed through the nearly US$30 million restitution agreement signed with the United States in the Bientu criminal case.
The agreement identifies several projects intended to improve the ability of the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) and other justice institutions to investigate crimes, respond to emergencies, and strengthen public safety.
Among the planned improvements are the replacement and modernization of approximately 200 public security camera locations, new police vehicles and motorcycles, body-worn cameras, digital evidence management systems, and secure communications infrastructure.
The measures are outlined in an attachment to the restitution agreement signed in Washington on September 17, 2026, by Minister of Justice Shalten Hato and U.S. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jennifer A.H. Hodge.
Approximately 200 Camera Locations Targeted
One of the central projects involves upgrading Curaçao's existing public surveillance network.
According to the document, the Ministry of Justice currently operates approximately 200 public security camera locations across the island.
Much of this infrastructure is approaching the end of its operational life and requires replacement.
The proposed modernization would replace equipment at approximately 200 existing camera locations and introduce advanced surveillance technology designed to improve the collection and analysis of security footage.
The program includes the deployment of artificial intelligence-compliant surveillance technology, integration into a future real-time crime center, and improved cybersecurity and data protection safeguards.
The government also intends to introduce expanded capabilities for analyzing surveillance information and supporting criminal investigations.
The agreement does not specify when the new camera infrastructure will become operational or how much of the restitution money will be allocated specifically to this project.
Body Cameras and Digital Evidence Management
Another component involves equipping frontline police officers with body-worn cameras.
These devices would be supported by a digital evidence management platform intended to store, organize, and protect recordings and other electronic evidence.
The program also includes secure procedures for handling evidence and integration with prosecutorial and judicial systems.
Such infrastructure is intended to strengthen the reliability and traceability of digital evidence collected during police operations.
The proposed system could also improve the ability of investigators and prosecutors to retrieve and manage recordings during criminal proceedings.
However, the agreement does not indicate how many body cameras will be purchased or when officers would begin using them.
New Police Vehicles and Motorcycles
The modernization program also identifies police mobility and rapid response as priorities.
Planned investments include patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, specialized response equipment, and operational support assets.
These purchases are intended to improve police mobility and strengthen the capacity to respond to incidents across Curaçao.
The proposal comes at a time when the availability of patrol vehicles, personnel, and equipment has become an important subject of public discussion.
However, the agreement does not provide a detailed inventory of the vehicles to be purchased or specify how the funds will be divided among the different police modernization projects.
Secure Communications Infrastructure
The restitution agreement also provides for investment in secure communications systems.
These include encrypted communications, improved interoperability between emergency services, and communications capabilities for disaster response.
The objective is to strengthen coordination among police officers, emergency responders, and other authorities during incidents requiring rapid intervention.
The proposed improvements are intended to create a more integrated and technologically capable law enforcement system.
Implementation Subject to Oversight
Although the modernization program identifies several major investments, the agreement does not establish that all equipment has already been purchased or that implementation contracts have been awarded.
The projects must be financed through the Crime Fund and remain subject to the financial oversight requirements agreed upon by Curaçao and the United States.
SOAB will monitor expenditures, while quarterly reports and independent annual audits will be required.
The restitution money will be released in installments, with later transfers depending on proper spending and reporting for earlier installments.
For the Curaçao Police Force, the program could represent one of the most significant opportunities in recent years to modernize its operational infrastructure.
The extent of the improvements will ultimately depend on how the government prioritizes the projects, manages procurement, and implements the investments.