Tourist Police Unit planned as Justice Ministry seeks greater presence in Tourism Areas

GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling said the proposed tourist police unit is not intended to function as a replacement for the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM), but rather as a specialized support unit focused on prevention, visitor assistance and increasing security presence in tourism areas.

During the continuation of the 2026 Budget debate, Tackling addressed repeated questions from Members of Parliament about the effectiveness of a tourist police unit that would not operate in the same capacity as regular police officers, including questions about why the officers would not initially carry firearms.

The Minister explained that the purpose of the tourist police is different from that of regular police officers. The unit would not be established to conduct criminal investigations, respond to emergency 911 calls or perform duties where the use of force and firearms may be required.

Instead, the focus would be on creating safer environments in tourism areas through visible presence, assistance and prevention.

Tackling explained that tourist police officers would assist visitors who experience problems such as theft, lost documents or other issues while on the island. They would also have an educational role, providing safety information and advice to visitors and businesses operating within the tourism sector.

According to the Minister, one of the main principles behind the initiative is that prevention is better than responding after incidents have already occurred.

The visible presence of trained personnel in tourism areas, she said, can serve as a deterrent and contribute to a greater sense of security among residents, visitors and businesses.

Tackling explained that regular police officers undergo an extensive training program lasting approximately two years, including significant training in the use of force and firearms. She said that level of training is necessary because of the broader responsibilities carried out by fully trained police officers.

However, because of the more specific objectives of the tourist police, the Minister said such an extended training program is not necessarily required for the tasks they would perform.

She also highlighted ongoing challenges in recruiting and training new police officers. Tackling said filling regular police training classes has become increasingly difficult, noting that the class last year consisted of seven officers and this year’s class consists of four.

The Minister explained that regular police officers must meet higher entry requirements, including an MBO-4 level qualification, while the tourist police would operate at a different level within the broader police function structure.

Tackling said the intention is to broaden the capacity available to support public safety by introducing a role that can assist with specific functions while allowing KPSM officers to concentrate on duties requiring full police authority.

The Minister also clarified that the proposal does not mean that every member of a future tourist police unit would permanently be unarmed under all circumstances.

She explained that the current concept is based on an unarmed foundation, but Government is examining whether different levels or ranks could be introduced within the unit. Under such a model, more senior members could potentially have different responsibilities and authority, depending on training, qualifications and operational needs.

She added that the unit would be supervised by members of KPSM, who would retain the authority and equipment required for situations where armed intervention is necessary.

Tackling said Government is reviewing different international models to determine what would work best for St. Maarten. She pointed to Aruba as an example where a tourist police model exists within the tourism sector and officers are not armed. She also noted that other destinations, including Curaçao and the Dominican Republic, have different forms of tourism-focused policing.

The Minister said St. Maarten must develop a model that fits its own circumstances while ensuring that security standards remain strong.

“We are not creating another police force,” Tackling explained. “We are looking at how we can strengthen presence, prevention and assistance in areas where visitors and businesses need support, while ensuring KPSM maintains its focus on core policing duties.”

From VKS Discussions to Tourist Police Model

The Minister also explained that the Ministry had initially explored increasing the role of the Volunteer Corps of St. Maarten (VKS) in supporting police operations.

In 2025, discussions were held regarding increasing the hourly compensation for VKS members assisting KPSM. However, after further evaluation, the Ministry determined that VKS was not the appropriate structure for creating the permanent tourism-focused presence being considered.

The Ministry subsequently shifted its focus toward establishing a dedicated tourist police unit in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT).

Tackling said a proposal has already been developed and that discussions are ongoing regarding financing and the operational framework. The target is to have the unit operational by the high season next year.

Funding Options Being Examined

The Minister said Government is reviewing several options to finance the initiative, including possible support through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework as proposed by TEATT.

Another option being explored is a possible security or public-order contribution connected to annual Chamber of Commerce fees paid by businesses.

Tackling clarified that a car rental tax or levy is not currently being developed as part of the proposal.

The Minister also addressed the role of private security companies, stating that Government first needs to establish stronger regulation, including standards, training requirements and vetting procedures, before expanding cooperation.

“Regulate first, then cooperate,” Tackling said, emphasizing that public safety partnerships require clear rules and accountability.

The proposed tourist police unit forms part of the Ministry of Justice’s broader approach to improving safety, strengthening prevention and ensuring that limited law enforcement resources are used effectively.

Tackling said the goal is not to create a weaker security structure, but a more strategic one where each role is clearly defined and where KPSM can focus on the responsibilities that require full police authority.

‍