Philipsburg: ---Tension continues to rise within the police force of St. Maarten since they are not sure in what direction the force is going. Already more than 50 officers have left the force over recent years and none of them has been replaced, something which caused a huge vacuum in the force. The latest officer to leave the force is Assistant Police Commissioner Richard Panneflek who so far has remained mum on his departure. It is understood that the Minister of Justice David Dick did not grant Panneflek an official Lands Besuilt which is a decree on his departure. However, Panneflek is said to be working closely with the island government to form a security company which would grant more security to St. Maarten.
Minister of Justice David Dick confirmed that assistant chief commissioner of police Richard Panneflek has been transferred. Dick said that Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran is now fully in charged of the force while police coach Ronald Dongor will be the one to implement the changes that is necessary for the force to function better. Several senior officers are now talking about leaving the force since according to the negligence is running the force a-ground. Already there is indication that the force is ill-prepared and is not ready to take on the challenges of country St. Maarten.
While opinion varies among the officers it is clear the officers are fully divided into three groups which is grossly affecting the efficiency of good policing.
Presently Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran, who is considered to be one of St. Maarten's young, bright and vibrant officers now, has to carry the burden of managing the force and there is strong indication that Doran would not receive full cooperation from his colleagues. It is understood that Doran has more than 600 immigration documents to process which he has so far refused to deal with. The police commissioner is also head of detectives.
Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams said during yesterday's press briefing that as leader of government she saw a letter concerning Panneflek's transfer but the island government has no update as to who would be in charge and there is no correspondence on the actual transfer.