The quality and availability of uniforms for the Aruba Police Force are raising concerns among police officers. Daniel Fernandes Perna, a representative of the police union SPA, said there is currently a shortage of several uniform items, while the quality of the available items also fails to meet expectations.
During an interview, Fernandes Perna explained that officers do not have enough uniforms available. The situation becomes even more difficult when an item becomes damaged or worn out, as replacements are not always available and are not easy to obtain.
According to Fernandes Perna, the quality of the uniforms is a serious concern. He said some uniforms already show significant wear and tear after only two or three washes.
“We receive a uniform that, after two or three washes, already looks like something that is not suitable for police officers,” he said.
Fernandes Perna said police officers need quality uniforms that can withstand daily use. He added that the issue is not new. Complaints about the condition and durability of the uniforms reportedly began within the first few months after they were introduced.
He also noted that even supervisors’ uniforms are showing signs of wear, indicating that the problem is not limited to one group within the Aruba Police Force.
Fernandes Perna called on Parliament to pay attention to the situation. He said decision-makers need to understand the challenges police officers face in their daily work.
SPA continues to raise concerns about the issue, emphasizing that police officers need adequate resources to perform their duties. For Fernandes Perna, quality uniforms are a basic necessity for police officers.
