WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT WITH POLICE

  1. In progress: POLICE INVESTIGATION

    After you have reported a crime, the police will start an investigation. During this time, the police will gather evidence and question person (s) who may be relevant to the case. Oftentimes, they will assess the case with the Prosecutor's Office. At the time you reported the crime to police, they will inform that you may claim damages (if any) as a result of the crime. Mediation is also an option. 

    After completing the investigation, police submits the file to the Prosecutor's Office. The assigned prosecutor and legal assistant review the case and inform you about the decision going forward.  In less severe instances, the case may be finalized with a fine issued to the perpetrator or compensation to the victim without court proceedings. 

    The police and / or the prosecutor may discontinue a case in situations where there is too little information to trace the person (s) suspected of the crime or if there is a lack of evidence to support a case in trial. You will be informed of either possibility as soon as possible by the police or prosecutor.

  2. In progress: FURTHER CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

    During the police investigation a suspect can be arrested.  Once there is enough information to prosecute a suspect, the prosecutor will determine what actions will be taken such as requesting the judge of instruction for pre-trial detention and / or submitting a case for handling by the court. 

    The prosecutor will contact you when the case is submitted and registered at the Prosecutor's Office, you may then indicate if you wish to be informed of the proceedings. 

    The prosecutor will inform you about the court date and your rights as victim or a victim's next of kin in a criminal proceeding. 

    Other information can include a possible suspension of the pre-trial the detention of the suspect. 

    A case can be dismissed by the prosecutor, meaning it will not to be prosecuted any further.  If the case is dismissed, you will receive a letter with an explanation and information on further steps you may take if you disagree with the decision.

  3. In progress: WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS DURING A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION / PROCEEDING?

    If your case is brought to court, you can request the judge to include your compensation claim in the case.  This can entail compensation for your damaged or stolen property, medical expenses not covered by insurance or loss of income.  You will receive a claim form from the prosecutor.  You must be present at the court hearing to submit your claim. 

    The prosecutor will make a decision on your claim in less severe cases that are handled out of court. 

    If your stolen property has been found or has been seized as evidence in the criminal investigation, it is usually returned to you once the prosecutor has finalized the investigation and takes the case to court.  The police will contact you to discuss how, where, and when you can retrieve your property.

  4. In progress: CONTACTING THE PROSECUTOR

    Victims (or a victim's next of kin) of serious and violent crimes, such as a robbery, sexual offense, or aggravated assault, may request a meeting with the prosecutor.  Such a meeting may be requested, for instance, about:

    * The procedure of the criminal trial

    * The decision to dismiss a case

    * What to expect during the court hearing

    *The evidence against the suspect

    * The possibilities to appeal a case

  5. In progress: VICTIMS OF SEX CRIMES

    For more information for victims of sex crimes, please click here(external link).

Police Force Curaçao / Korps Politie Curaçao

Emergency number: 911

Not an emergency: +5999 8666265 of  +5999 8666270

Na 16:00 uur: +5999 6740073

Website: www.polis.cw(external link)

Victim support / Slachtofferhulp

☏+5999 4617575 of +5999 4657575

☏+5999 510 7575 (piket, weekdays 17:00 - 08:00 hours, 24 hours weekends and holidays

E-mail: info@slachtoffer.org

Website: slachtoffer.org(external link)

Complaints / Klachten

For complaints about treatment from the Police, the Public Prosecutor's Office (OM Curaçao, OM BES and OM SXM), please contact:

Office of the Attorney General

Wilhelminaplein 14-16, Curaçao

E-mail: bijstand.ppg@omcarib.org with refrence to 'complaint'