Justice Ministry explores AI drone patrols as cameras enter testing

Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling told Parliament on Wednesday 30 September that the Ministry is finalising an initiative for an AI-enabled drone that could patrol an area. She made the remarks during deliberations on the draft 2027 national budget.

Tackling said the Police Force of St. Maarten already uses conventional drones during operations and that the first AI-enabled cameras are being tested. She said technology and intelligence-led policing would have to play a larger role because recruiting additional officers is expected to remain difficult.

The Ministry is also introducing or examining predictive profiling, crime analysis, open-source intelligence and data warehouses used to search information from confiscated phones, Tackling said. Financial crime investigations, speed enforcement technology, impaired-driving enforcement and mobile equipment for officers are also part of the modernisation work.

A pilot involving body cameras and stun guns is expected to begin in early 2027, according to Tackling. She said changes to the legal framework on the use of force would be needed before stun guns could be deployed more broadly. The Ministry is also finalising research into pepper spray and stun guns for a planned tourist police pilot.

Tackling said officers are receiving laptops and wireless printers to complete more administrative work in the field. Applications are also being introduced to structure operational management, including maintenance.