PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson signed an agreement with the management team of KPSM on Wednesday to start the renovation of eight police holding cells along with their interrogation room which will be equipped with video and other technological equipment.
In an interview with SMN News shortly after the signing, Minister Richardson said the project has to be completed within six months. The eight cells are located at KPSM's main location in Philipsburg and after the renovation of the cells KPSM will meet the requirements as stipulated by the committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman treatment. Minister Richardson said the committee made these demands for the renovation and upgrading of the cells. Included in the upgrade and renovation is a special room for prisoners who might be suicidal, a room for minors, and one specifically for female prisoners. "Seven of the eight cells that will be renovated will have equipment for video and audio while an interrogation takes place. When the renovation is completed KPSM will be moving forward by having a very modern accommodation in Philipsburg which will also be in compliance with the general rules worldwide."
When asked how soon the renovation will take place, Minister Richardson said the first meeting on the construction was held on Wednesday. When asked if there is monies available in the budget for the renovation or if it was budgeted, Minister Richardson said that the monies have been allocated and that the first phase will cost 1.5 million guilders with another 130,000.00 guilders for supervision of the construction.
In response to a question regarding who really manages the police cells, Minister Richardson said the cells that are being renovated are for temporary detention which will be used for interrogation before suspects are handed over to the Prison Management if placed under arrest.
Renovation of the Police Headquarters.
On Wednesday February 19th, 2014 at 11:00am, the contract for the first phase of the renovation of the Philipsburg Police Station was signed by the Minister of Justice Honorable Dennis Richardson, Angela Dekker representing USONA (Finance), the contractor Betonbouw, and architect Pream.
This project will cost 1.5 million Dutch Guilders, completely financed by USONA, representing the Dutch Government.
The reason for the renovation is to have the old wiring and plumbing under the cell-complex removed. Because the cells are to be renovated, the room directly under the cells on the ground floor must also be renovated to eliminate the dangers of fire and septic problems.
The renovation is as follows:
8 existing cells will be reconstructed into brand new cells which meet the Commission of Human Rights standards. A special camera system will be installed for 24/7 monitoring of suicidal detainees, drugs investigations (bolita cell), children (TV) and women.
7 cells will be reconstructed into 9 interview rooms with video and audio recording equipment to comply with the new legislation. A special interview room for children will be put in place. There will be an interview studio and control room to watch along with interrogations which complies with the latest standards in the context of the interviewing and questioning of child victims and suspects involved in serious crimes. In these cases, the interrogation must be recorded.
The offices under the cells are to be converted into new offices with over 100 lockers allowing each worker to have an own mailbox and a space to store personal belongings.
The toilets, showers, and changing rooms will be renovated.
The old and air conditioning system will be replaced by energy saving air conditioners in each room equipped with motion detectors and inverters.
A completely new digital camera surveillance system monitoring around the entire building and roads will also be part of this renovation project.
The Chief of Police Peter de Witte was also present during the signing of this contract and expressed how happy he was to see this project come to a realization. He is looking forward to seeing more projects of this type executed.
KPSM Press Release
