Police Management Team Clarifies Policy on Officer Access to Carnival Village
The management team of the Police Force Sint-Maarten (KPSM) had recently taken an internal decision to regarding the policy of police officers’ access to the upcoming events in the Festival Village. In the interest of maintaining integrity, the management team has decided that police officers who are attending the Carnival festivities in the village on their own time will be required to pay for admission.
The decision to remind officers of their pledge taken is based on the Police Regulations Article 86 which states:
Police officials are prohibited from accepting money, gifts, services, or discounts of any kind, in any form, directly or indirectly, or from anyone, with the exception of bonuses offered by the Netherlands Antilles or an island territory, or from negotiating for the benefit of anyone in connection with the performance of their duties.
The Management team has taken note of the information shared by SCDF and their view of giving officers off-duty free access to the Village as long as they show their police pass. This is a decision solely taken. While the Sint Maarten Police Force acknowledges and respects the long-standing working relationship with SCDF, it is important to uphold the ethical standards of the police organization.
Police officers play a critical role in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law, and their actions must be guided by the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity. Upholding these standards is essential for building trust and credibility with the communities they serve.
KPSM Press Release.
