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More understanding needed
Dear Editor,
I decided to write about my recent experience only because I read about someone else who had a similar experience. Recently I read about a woman who had difficulties with a female 911 operator. I’m choosing to share my experience after reading that I might not be the only one who has been victimized by this female police officer answering emergency calls.
I read the letter to the editor this past week about a 911 dispatcher and laughed. Keep in mind that I did not laugh as in “ha ha, that’s funny,” I laughed a sad laugh. A “Wow, I’m not the only one to have been completely disrespected by a woman on the local police force on the Dutch side of the ‘friendly island.’”
I was and have been physically and mentally abused by a man over the years. I finally decided to report him. I regret that 911 call. The female police officer who took my call asked me, “What did you do to provoke him to beat on you?” Yes, that’s what she asked me. The conversations I believe are recorded so the proof is there should I ever want to take this further.
I must come to the conclusion that this is a very bad apple in the bunch of police officers that are answering 911 calls, as the writer’s situation sounded far too familiar with the terrible attitude I received making me feel as though I was at fault.
At the end, the Police Force of St. Maarten did not help me. I did, however, contact Safe Haven who was able to offer advice, talk calmly, relate to my situation.
Women, if you are having a problem with a man I suggest you contact Safe Haven for help. The Police Force are obviously not trained to assist women with domestic abuse issues.
I’d like to throw this question out to the Chief of Police and I look very forward to your response to the media and to the women on this island: Is there a problem with the women on your force? Why is it that the women police officers speak so badly to other women? How dare they feel screaming and pointing their finger in a woman's face is acceptable to get their point across? I am not an animal. Are they trying to fit in with the macho men? Do they resent other women maybe of different nationalities?
I have yet to meet a woman police officer, again, on the Dutch side of “The Friendly Island” who was in fact an emotionally stable individual, able to keep her emotions out of the situation, deal with the situation she was called out to attend, instead of straying off to “Who is your neighbour, her friend is my neighbour, that officer is my friend, I don’t like that you are more educated than me, I don’t like your house is bigger than mine, and finally, I don’t like anyone with lighter skin than me.”
Please keep in mind that this is not my opinion, this is a recent personal experience.
Anyone out there who feels the local St Maarten policewomen are non-biased, well, you are their friend, relative, neighbour, etc., and finally, I bet your vehicle has black-tinted windows and no officers peel it off, you are not one of us common folk.
There are two types of people on this island: The ones connected to the local Police Force by blood or friendship, and then there are us stupid folk who are forced to bow to them or we end up being yelled at by a female officer as she points her finger into your eye.
To end this on a positive note, as I believe there is many positives within this said “Friendly Island” Police Force, there is a senior male police officer who works as a 911 dispatcher. Words cannot explain the compassion this particular individual has shown. I crossed paths with him one day and I will never forget the patience to listen to my story, the understanding and non-judgemental advice.
In every fruit basket we find a rotten one. However, I assure you the St. Maarten Police Force has some seasoned gentlemen that are ready to help any woman, child or man in need of help.
If you find yourself in a helpless situation, women, call Safe Haven before making any bad decision.
I choose to withhold my name as unfortunately the women on the Police Force are prone to targeting an individual for making a complaint and I can be sure they will target my family for writing this.
It is a sad day when the Police Force cannot be trusted due to high-strung emotions and mafia-like behaviour. I’m hoping more women feel comfortable to share their experiences and eventually see a better educated Police Force.
Again, I look forward to the Chief of Police addressing this obvious hidden issue.
Former Abuse Victim
(Name withheld at author’s request)
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