Philipsburg:--- The end of the year (2011) is approaching and the cruise-season is here, the arrival of Mega Yachts, the arrival and departure of many more flights (commercial flights and private flights) will increase as the year comes to an end. Sint Maarten expects a very busy tourist season. At the end of each year as customary the Police Department conducts general controls all over the island. As of November 24th 2011 these controls have started. The Police Department will be going out in full force assisted by other departments such as the Customs Department and Coast Guard, to combat any type of criminal activities that take place during this time of the year. The purpose of these general controls is to increase the visibility of police on the streets and to create a sense of security and safety for the visitors to the island and of course the community at large.
This year is a new challenge for the Police Force of Sint Maarten. Even though the police force is lacking in capacity (manpower), a plan has been put in place to have all areas get the necessary attention. There will definitely be an increase in the visibility of the men in blue. The police department will have patrols on foot, bicycle patrols and car patrols controlling all areas where tourists visit regularly. There will also be an increase in patrols in all neighborhoods on the island. The Customs Department will be checking the harbor and airport for any illegal items coming in or going out of the island. The Coast Guard will be patrolling the territorial waters to make sure that no illegalities are taking place on our shores.
The police department will also be focusing on areas such as Philipsburg and the Cruise facilities where the "Gypsy" (illegal) transportation is taking place, the Boardwalk and shopping areas in Philipsburg (pulling of chains), Beacon Hill, Maho Reef, Mullet Bay and Cupe Coy for car break-ins and car thefts. Our goals are to suppress the amount of incidents taking place recently and most of all to prevent them from happening. There will possibly be some street closures and traffic diversions in the Philipsburg area to allow the shoppers to shop in a more relaxed manner. All changes with regard to traffic will be announced to the public at a later date. Parking in Philipsburg is very limited and the general public is advised to temporarily use the Ring road as public parking.
The police department asking the general public to give the officers carrying out these controls all necessary cooperation so that they can provide the best safety for everyone.