KPSM, White and Yellow Cross partner on Alzheimer’s training for officers

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has partnered with the White and Yellow Cross to provide officers with specialized training on how to appropriately approach, assist and refer persons living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The training was conducted by experienced nurses from the White and Yellow Cross and focused on helping officers better understand the challenges faced by persons with Alzheimer’s, as well as how to respond safely, respectfully and effectively when assistance is required.

Chief of Police Carl John thanked the White and Yellow Cross for its partnership with KPSM, saying the knowledge gained through the training will better prepare officers to assist persons living with Alzheimer’s and their families whenever support is needed.

KPSM said it remains committed to strengthening partnerships with organizations that can provide training and resources aimed at improving the knowledge, preparedness and effectiveness of its officers.

The Police Force also thanked nurses Micheline Hunte, Minerva Maccow and Vaitaire Overman, along with others who contributed to the training.

Training of this nature is important because police officers may encounter persons with dementia who are confused, distressed, wandering, unable to communicate clearly or behaving in ways that can be misunderstood. Proper training can help officers recognize signs of cognitive impairment, communicate more effectively, reduce unnecessary escalation and connect individuals and families with appropriate support services.

Dementia awareness training for police and other first responders is also an established practice internationally. The Alzheimer’s Association provides dedicated first-responder training, and a number of jurisdictions have incorporated dementia training into law-enforcement requirements or missing-person response programs.

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