
KPCN – Rebranding the Dutch Caribbean Police Force
[ DELIVERABLES ]
No deliverables available
[ Description ]
The Client
KPCN is the police force for the islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. While part of the Dutch government, the force works in a Caribbean context, with its own culture, language, and community needs. KPCN asked us to help create a new identity that feels more local, more trusted, and more future-focused.
The Challenge
The current brand felt outdated and distant. It didn’t reflect the diversity of the islands or the strong connection between the police and the people. KPCN wanted a brand that builds trust, shows integrity, and speaks to all generations, in all three communities.
Our Approach
We didn’t design from Amsterdam: we flew to Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. We organized and run in-person interviews, creative workshops, and cultural sessions with Police officers at all levels, community leaders, youth and elderly citizens, local business owners and civic groups. From there, we built a full strategy around three main goals: - Build trust with the public - Reflect local culture and identity - Modernize the brand for today and tomorrow
The result
We split the project into three volumes:
Volume 1 - Meeting Report
Back in Amsterdam, we turned all interviews and workshops into one clear strategy. We defined KPCN’s mission, vision, and long-term goals, based on what people from the islands told us they expect from their police. This gave us a strong foundation to shape the brand around trust, service, and local pride.
Volume 2 - Cultural and Historical Research
To create a meaningful identity, we compiled a detailed historical and cultural report that explored each island’s unique history and their transition after 2010. The research also captured key local elements such as festivals, languages, and traditions, along with the symbolic evolution of the KPCN police logo and its connection to the region’s identity.
Volume 3 - Visual Identity
The new brand system helps KPCN look and act like the force it aspires to be: open, strong, and rooted in the islands it serves.
At the heart of the visual identity is a redesigned logo that retains the sword and shield — symbols of justice and protection — refined to feel more modern and locally grounded. The color palette takes inspiration from the island flags, while the typography uses the official Politie typeface developed by Studio Dunbar.
We also introduced a new pattern, based on the angled lines of the Dutch police design, reimagined as a wave — a subtle reference to the Caribbean Sea and the islands’ deep cultural connection to it.
Grid System for Visual Consistency
By standardizing proportions and placements, this system enhances visual clarity, recognition, and adaptability across multiple formats.
In addition to the grid, KPCN introduces a new pattern that blends tradition with local identity. Inspired by the previous police pattern, this refreshed design incorporates a wave element, symbolizing the Caribbean islands' deep connection to the sea. This subtle yet recognizable feature adds a modern twist while maintaining the strong, authoritative presence of the police force.
Color-Coded Identity
A well-structured color system strengthens brand identity and improves communication clarity. KPCN’s use of distinct colors for different topics ensures that each area of police work is easily recognizable and aligned with its purpose.
KPCN’s color system is designed to create a clear, structured, and recognizable visual identity. Each color serves a specific purpose in branding, ensuring that communication materials, uniforms, signage, and digital platforms maintain consistency and professionalism.



