Crime victims are strongly encouraged to file a report with the police. Despite some opinions, the police take their tasks very seriously and crime prevention is certainly one of them; once a report has been filed, action is always taken.
The police’s ultimate goal and primary, daily task is to apprehend criminals and to maintain a healthy and safe Sint Maarten.
Without a filed report,it is impossible for the police to be aware of neighbourhood activities and the danger exists that the criminal[s] can continue uninterrupted. The importance of filing a report cannot be emphasized enough. Reports are also necessary for validating with insurance companies and lawyers.
Statistics gathered from filed reports, also support the police in their stride to improve, for example, plans of action and preventative measures. Working methods are constantly adjusted, where necessary, based on the reports.
Following the rapid increase in the number of infected persons due to Covid-19 pandemic in Sint Maarten, a safety protocol has been adapted by the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) in an effort to make sure we all remain Covid-19 free.
On this website in the menu at your service, the right procedure can be found under:
Where can reports be filed ?
Reports can be filed, on appointment only, at the police headquarters in Philipsburg. On some occasions, police officers may visit a home or place of business to take reports.
What is done after a report has been filed?
The report will be studied to ensure that there are sufficient evidence to warrant apprehending the suspect. If this is the case,the suspect will be apprehended, arrested and the confiscated goods will be returned to the rightful owner. It is that simple… In some cases, however, there is insufficient proof with which to build a case.
A conviction that is based on assumptions is not valid. Judges must be 100% convinced that a suspect is guilty before sentencing can take place.
Once again,the importance of sharing all the relevant information, is strongly emphasized. Without timely and comprehensive information, the police are severely compromised in their efforts to solve crime.
