CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS:--- The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) welcomes Frank van der Lende as its new Head of Basic Police Care (BPZ). Van der Lende joins from the Police Force of Aruba (KPA) and brings with him more than thirty years of police experience, most of which was gained in the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom.
Van der Lende began his career in 1992 at the police academy in Heerlen. After completing his training, he worked in South Limburg, mainly in Maastricht. In 1997, he was given the opportunity by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) to be temporarily assigned to Aruba. What started as a temporary adventure grew into a close bond with the island and its community.
Within the Police Force of Aruba, he held various positions, including senior Integrated Vocational Skills Training (IBT) instructor, coordinator of the maritime police, and section commander within a specialized operational unit. He was also a member of the SGBO and, for the past six years, served as crisis leader of the judicial cluster within the Aruban government's disaster response structure.
Van der Lende officially started in his new position as Head of Basic Police Care at the KPCN on October 13th.
“I made a conscious decision to take this step,” says Van der Lende. “I want to use my experience to support and inspire the next generation of colleagues. What drives me is building a culture of trust, cooperation, and pride; a working environment in which everyone feels heard, appreciated, and involved.”
The KPCN would also like to thank Mr. Edwin van der Giessen for his many years of service as Head of Basic Police Care. He will remain active within the force and will focus on strengthening the preparations for police trainings, an important pillar in the further development of the force.
The KPCN wishes Frank van der Lende the best of luck in his new position.