Enforcement Of Ministerial Decree Concerning School Fights
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has taken note ofvideos ofschool fights being circulated on social media since the commencement of the school year. Based on this disturbing trend of misconduct and abuse, the police force would again like to inform the public, especially students, parents and guardians,of a ministerial decree issued by Honorable Minister of Justice Ms. Anna Richardson on November 16th2020.
With the issuance of this ministerial decree, the Honorable Minister of Justice has given directives to the Police Force of Sint Maarten to repressively act against misconduct by students and the community at large.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) will like to emphasize that the infractions taken up in the decree will be thoroughly enforced in the districtsand areas mentioned in the ministerial decree. Some of the infractions mentioned in the decree are: That there should be NO loitering by children or adults in the school districts. Fighting and any other types of criminal activities will NOT be tolerated. This includes assault, assault with a weapon, possession of illegal weapons, possession of illicit substances, group fights, threatening, and disorderly conduct that disturbs the peace, among others.
Over the past years, we have strengthened our efforts to prevent misconduct and abuse while working with partners in our response to this type of behavior by putting the victims first.
Based on the fact that fights and related criminal activities are becoming more violent with a high frequency, a rising number of teenagers are actually being arrested for their in/out of school misbehavior and are being brought to court for their role(s) in criminal activity.
The top priorities of the police force are to provide victims with assistance, ensure swift and victim-centered investigations and establish safe and accessible reporting channels Read more
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