PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People's Party (UPP), Omar E.C. Ottley, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) for their unwavering commitment to continuous development and training of their personnel. The recent successful completion of multiple specialized training programs by KPSM officers is a significant and commendable step in the ongoing mission to strengthen public safety and deepen community engagement.
MP Ottley particularly highlights the return of five KPSM officers from Miami, who became certified School Resource Officers after completing an intensive week-long program. "I am particularly impressed by this because of my deep desire to help our young people. This training is a meaningful investment in our youth's future and our educational institutions' safety. Officers trained to understand and support young people help build trust, reduce tension, and create safer school environments," Ottley noted.
MP Ottley applauds the successful execution of the BAVPOL training program (Buitengewoon Agent van Politie) in collaboration with various government departments. "The multidimensional nature of this training demonstrates exactly what we need — cross-sector collaboration to build a well-rounded, well-equipped, and community-conscious police force," he stated.
Ottley emphasized that management at KPSM deserves special recognition for its vision and leadership in prioritizing the training and development of its team. "What we are witnessing is a force that is not standing still but evolving with the demands of modern policing. This type of leadership, driven by law enforcement officers, combines to inspire public confidence and strengthen national security."
Looking ahead, MP Ottley calls on the Government of St. Maarten to support KPSM not only through training but also through strategic investments in modern policing tools and technology. "The world is evolving rapidly, and our police officers need the best tools to match their growing responsibilities," he said. "We must work together to develop a plan — in close consultation with the KPSM — to access advanced equipment and smart technology solutions that are already available in regions such as the Netherlands."
Among the resources MP Ottley encourages the government to prioritize are, Body-worn cameras for accountability and officer safety, Real-time communication systems and GPS-enabled dispatch tools, Mobile data terminals in patrol units, more Drones for surveillance in high-risk situations and to monitor traffic congestion, along with investments in modern forensic tools for evidence gathering and analysis.
"These technologies can dramatically improve officer efficiency, safety, and transparency — all essential to restoring and maintaining public trust," Ottley stressed.
"To all the men and women of the KPSM, we see your efforts, we recognize your sacrifices, and we, the UP Party, stand with you. The United People's Party faction in Parliament remains committed to ensuring you have the training, the tools, and the trust you need to continue serving and protecting our island with excellence. Let us continue on this positive path together toward a safer, stronger, and more resilient St. Maarten."
