Labega backs unarmed tourist police pilot, urges review of next phase

MP Dimar Labega said he supports the planned unarmed tourist police pilot, describing it as an initial measure to increase law-enforcement visibility while longer-term measures are considered.

Labega said pilot personnel are expected to be placed in designated areas with batons and handcuffs. He said this could allow officers of the Police Force of St. Maarten, KPSM, to focus on violent crime, high-risk interventions and other incidents requiring a higher police response.

Labega said he had previously called on the Minister of Justice to consider changes to the law that would allow qualified security personnel to be armed. He said the ministry should use the pilot period to assess the legal framework, training, supervision and safeguards needed before adding equipment or protective tools.

He said visible personnel, faster response and a greater chance of identifying and apprehending offenders can deter petty crime. Labega also said crime affecting areas visited by tourists can affect perceptions of Sint Maarten as a destination and, in turn, tourism-dependent employment and businesses.

Labega said the country faces police staffing shortages, limited jail capacity and an increase in opportunistic petty crime. He said recruitment and training for a fully staffed and armed police force would take years.