PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Omar Ottley says he does not support disciplinary action against Officer Hodge over a school bus incident involving a minor who allegedly made an obscene hand gesture toward police officers.
Ottley said police procedures must be respected and concerns about the officer’s conduct should be reviewed objectively. He argued, however, that the student’s alleged behavior should also be part of the public discussion.
“We cannot continue to sound the alarm about youth violence, youth crime, fighting in our schools and the growing lack of discipline among some of our young people, while at the same time creating an environment where blatant disrespect for authority is treated as acceptable behavior,” Ottley said.
According to Ottley, the incident raises a broader question about the standards expected of young people and the role of parents, educators, community leaders and public officials in reinforcing them. He said respect for police officers should be considered alongside respect for teachers, parents, bus drivers and other members of the community.
Ottley emphasized that officers must act professionally and proportionately, especially when dealing with minors. He said any departure from established protocols should be examined, but cautioned against judging the officer’s actions without considering the circumstances of the encounter.
“There may be instances where established protocols could have been followed differently, and those matters can and should be discussed,” he said. “But policing also requires judgment.”
The Police Force of Sint Maarten has said its management initiated an internal review of the officer’s conduct and operational tactics after a video of the interaction circulated on social media. KPSM said it expects officers to act professionally and respectfully and would refrain from further comment while the review is underway.
Ottley called for a wider conversation among police, schools, parents and youth organizations about discipline and how young people and officers interact. He reiterated his support for accountable policing while maintaining that, based on the circumstances as he understands them, Officer Hodge should not face disciplinary measures.