As of 1 February 2023, a new division of the district agents on Bonaire was introduced. Over the past six weeks, the Caribbean Netherlands Police Corps (KPCN) has put the officers who function as district officers on Bonaire and St. Eustatius in the spotlight. The purpose was to introduce the community to their neighborhood agent.
The start of the campaign was on Sint Eustatius, followed by Bonaire with the district agents of Playa, Tera Kòrá, Rincon, Nort Saliña and Antriol. Every week, there was a different neighborhood cop. As part of the campaign, interviews were conducted with various radio and television stations. They also visited various shops, institutions, schools and childcare centres, where they distributed information flyers, posted posters and took pictures. The residents were also interviewed. Remarkable were the challenges that the residents faced and brought to the attention of the district officers. This is done in order to take action when and where necessary. Among the challenges were lighting in the neighbourhoods, theft, nuisance from goats and dogs, noise from motorcycles, cars travelling at high speed in the built-up area, noise from trucks carrying cargo. There were also positive reactions from residents, including that they now feel safer with more police presence and that they now have more information on how and when to contact.
In the coming days, flyers will be handed out to residents in Nikiboko and surrounding areas, so that they also know how to contact the district agent. The campaign on Saba will also be completed soon.
With the neighborhood officer, the Caribbean Netherlands Police Corps wants to give you as a resident of your neighborhood a sense of security and peace. The neighborhood policeman wants to be closer to you, wants to be thoughtful, and wants to be alert to situations that may arise. More police presence in the district contributes to a better society and a better island.
To get in touch with your district agent, you can call 715 8000 during office hours and ask for your district agent. In case of emergency, always call 911! A good relationship with your neighborhood cop leads to a safe neighborhood!