The St. Maarten Police Force KPSM celebrated the ninth Police Day in front of the Philipsburg police station on Thursday. In photo: Police at the ceremony, with Police Chief Carl John (centre, foreground) standing at attention. Story on page .
PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Police Force KPSM celebrated the ninth Police Day in front of the Philipsburg police station on Thursday.
Acting police spokesperson Inspector Ethelwoldus Josepha opened the ceremony. The theme for the ceremony was “We are a team” and it aimed to recognise all police officers and administrative staff for their service, as well as launch the KPSM website.
Two pastors said an opening prayer during the ceremony and gave words of encouragement to St. Maarten officers “who continuously choose country above self every day they step into the police uniform and perform their duties.”
Chief Prosecutor Mirjam Mol gave a brief speech congratulating police officers on their special day. She also commended the Police Force for “continuously strengthening” work relationships between partners in the justice system.
“Where do we stand now?” asked Police Chief Carl John in his address. He said the police will be standing in the future, as he announced the launch of the website. This was created to be transparent to the community, said police in a press release.
Persons can visit the website at
www.policesxm.sx. It will provide information about services the police provide to the community, said police on Thursday.
John said the police receive a call every two minutes from persons who need assistance or regular service. “We cannot do it alone. It must always be a community effort. To combat crime, we need the community to come forward. See something, say something and, most importantly, share something,” he said.
One of the website’s pilot initiatives is a feature that allows persons to send a WhatsApp message to the police. This enables the community to send police photos, videos and recordings that will help combat crime. It was developed as part of the newly formed Police and Prosecutor’s Office task force to prevent and reduce school fights.
Currently, the WhatsApp number is only for sharing photos, videos and recordings. If the pilot is successful, more themes will be added, according to police.
In addition to the WhatsApp feature, the anonymous free-of-charge tip line 9300, the website’s anonymous tip form, and sending a personal message to the police Facebook page remain options for persons who wish to share information, said police.
The website will be regularly updated with procedures, information and daily police press releases, according to a press release.
