Aruba police seek powers to search for weapons in high-risk neighborhoods

ORANJESTAD — Police Chief Ramon Arnhem is calling for legislation allowing officers to conduct preventive weapon searches without individual suspicion in designated high-risk areas, following several shootings on Aruba. This in an interview on Aruba.nu. 

Justice Minister Arthur Dowers has been working on the legislation, but police currently lack the legal authority to carry out such searches.

Meanwhile, police have increased patrols in crime hotspots, deploying specialized units, arrest teams and police dog handlers.

Arnhem confirmed the presence of rival criminal groups but said investigations have not established whether recent shootings were retaliatory.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation with schools and community organizations to prevent youth involvement in crime.