The graduation ceremony for the police class of 2019 (see Monday paper) was a welcome sign. The lack of human resources within the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM has been a recurring theme for years.
Related advisory entities such as the Plans of Approach Progress Committee and the Law Enforcement Council that have – understandably – expressed frequent concern about this issue are no doubt encouraged as well. Granted, 18 recruits alone will not solve the entire problem, but it could a long way especially if combined with investments in equipment and other modern resources.
The latter is feasible through continued cooperation with the Netherlands as reported in the Friday/Saturday edition on the recent virtual Four-Country Judicial Consultation JVO. The same goes for delinquency prevention, upgrading detention and resocialisation facilities and programmes, victim assistance, etc.
Perhaps not everyone is happy with the current emphasis on combatting so-called “undermining crime” including by corrupt politicians. However, one can hardly deny that increased Dutch involvement in the sector has helped strengthen various aspects of law enforcement that are important to the wellbeing of the community regarding its security, which also has a positive impact on the tourism economy that provides for the livelihood of practically the whole population.
By the way, the cadettes appeared generally slim and fit, which can’t always be said about existing and usually older officers. Perhaps some of them should see their incoming colleagues as inspiration in that sense.
After all, getting in shape is one thing, staying there quite another.
