PHILIPSBURG--Cooperation between the St. Maarten Police Force and the Police Force in the Netherlands was among the issues discussed when Dutch National Police Chief Gerard Bouman met with the members of the local Police Force on Thursday.
Chief of Police Peter de Witte told The Daily Herald this was Bouman’s first visit to St. Maarten since assuming the position of Dutch Chief of Police. De Witte said Bouman also had been given an update on where the local Police Force had begun and where it is at the moment.
“There were no agreements, but we will discuss the matter later when he is back in Holland,” De Witte said in an invited comment.
After the official meetings, the local Police Force put on a demonstration for Bouman outside the police station in Philipsburg.
“We gave a demonstration with the bikers’ team and the motor riders. He likes to ride on the old Harley so we gave him the opportunity to drive a police motor. He drove to the substation on the Boardwalk and spoke freely with police offers. It was a very good visit,” De Witte said.
The demonstration outside the station included members of the bicycle patrol showing how to use a bike as a tool to execute arrests. This can be done if, for example, a suspect is acting violently. Other demonstrations included the riding of police motorbikes in tight spots.
