Tackling: Pepper spray and tasers require legal changes before wider police, public use

GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has clarified that St. Maarten’s legislation would have to be amended before pepper spray and tasers could be introduced as regular equipment for law enforcement officers, while confirming that Government has only begun exploring the possible use of tasers.

Responding to questions in Parliament raised by MP Sjamira Roseburg, Tackling said the relevant legal framework governing the use of force would have to be changed before the devices could be deployed in the manner being considered.

She said work specifically related to tasers has not yet formally started at the legislative level. “We have only begun exploring the possibility of tasers, including where they can be purchased for a pilot program,” Tackling told Parliament.

The clarification follows earlier discussions surrounding the equipment available to law enforcement personnel, including the proposed tourist police.

Tackling has said the tourist police pilot is being designed as a visible, preventative and service-oriented operation rather than as a replacement for fully trained and armed KPSM officers.

The Minister also addressed whether civilians could legally carry items such as pepper spray or tasers. She said the existing firearms and weapons legislation provides a framework under which a civilian may apply for authorization concerning certain weapons, including pepper spray or a taser.

However, Tackling stressed that submitting an application does not create an automatic right to receive permission. Any request would have to be individually assessed under St. Maarten’s weapons legislation and the applicable policy governing such authorizations.

The Minister’s comments indicate that while Government is exploring additional non-lethal options for law enforcement, no decision has yet been made to broadly introduce tasers, and the necessary legislative work remains outstanding.

Pepper spray and tasers therefore remain part of a wider policy discussion on how St. Maarten equips officers while balancing operational needs, legal requirements, training and public safety.

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