School fight taskforce members in a meeting on Monday.
PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Police Force KPSM and the Prosecutor’s Office came together on Monday, September 30, to form a taskforce that aims to bring stakeholders together to collectively reduce the number of school fights among St. Maarten’s youth.
The taskforce consists of community police officers, police management team and Juvenile Department personnel, as well as Prosecutor’s Office staff.
The taskforce will seek to inform and educate parents and the general public on their roles and responsibilities when it comes to school fights; to conduct result-oriented visits to schools; and to meet with government institutions to stimulate a multidisciplinary preventative approach, according to a press release.
“It seems imperative that we remind the community of a previously released plea for peace among our youth.
“We are well aware of the increase in the number of school fights that have been taking place within this school year and would like to send a stern warning to all students and parents that there will be severe consequences for such actions.
“KPSM and the Prosecutor’s Office have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to school and gang fights and are pleading with all parents in the community to get involved in trying to alleviate this rapidly-growing problem by talking to their children about the dangers of getting involved in fights,” said police and the Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday.
The penalties for getting involved in school fights will range from community service to jail time, they said.
“Police officers are trying to avoid getting into hostile situations with minors. However, they will not shy away in the event it becomes necessary to do so, if it’s in the best interest of public order and safety.
“Violence is never the answer and the St. Maarten Police Force hopes that we all can come together as a community and put a stop to this unnecessary violence,” said police.
