~Demand for Police Body Cameras & Stronger Use-of-Force Laws in Sint Maarten~
To: Government of Sint Maarten, Minister of Justice, Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM), Members of Parliament
We, the citizens of Sint Maarten and supporters around the world, respectfully demand urgent police reform to protect lives, restore public trust, and ensure accountability in law enforcement.
Recent events have deeply shaken our community and exposed serious gaps in transparency and oversight within the Sint Maarten Police Force. To prevent further loss of life and to protect both citizens and officers, we call for the following immediate actions:
Our Demands
Mandatory Body-Worn Cameras (Bodycams)
All on-duty police officers must wear functioning body cameras during patrols, arrests, stops, and any use-of-force encounters.
Cameras must be activated during all interactions with the public.
Footage must be securely stored and protected from tampering.
Independent oversight must govern access to and release of footage.
Clear, Stricter Use-of-Force Policies
Lethal force must be a last resort.
De-escalation and non-lethal options must be prioritized.
Clear warnings and time to comply must be given whenever safely possible.
Firearms policies must align with international human rights standards (necessity, proportionality, accountability).
Independent Oversight & Accountability
All serious incidents involving injury or death must be investigated by an independent body outside of KPSM.
Officers involved in fatal incidents should be placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Findings and disciplinary outcomes must be communicated to the public.
Training & Community Policing
Mandatory training in de-escalation, crisis response, mental health awareness, and anti-bias practices.
Strengthen community policing to rebuild trust between officers and neighborhoods.
Legal Safeguards for Citizens
Clear guidelines for arrests, searches, and detentions to prevent abuse of power.
Protection for witnesses and whistleblowers who come forward.
Why This Matters
Body cameras protect citizens from abuse and officers from false accusations. Transparent rules around firearms and arrests reduce violence, prevent tragic outcomes, and save lives. Trust in law enforcement is built through openness, accountability, and respect for human rights.
We love Sint Maarten, and we want our island to be safe—for our children, our families, our visitors, and for officers who serve with integrity. Safety and justice must go hand in hand.
We call on the Government of Sint Maarten to act now.
Implement body cameras. Strengthen the laws. Protect lives.
Signed,
Concerned citizens of Sint Maarten and supporters worldwide
#BodyCamsForSXM #PoliceReformSXM #ProtectOurPeople
