PHILIPSBURG - As the island prepares for the approaching Hurricane Jerry, the Sint Maarten Police Force and the Public Prosecution Service would like to highlight the focus points of the Zero Tolerance Policy.

 

The Zero Tolerance policy is in place to defend the community and prevent serious harm to health and safety. As well safeguard the continuation of public administration, protect vital public interests, protect the environment from serious damage, protect important personal property, limit economic damage and protect animal life.

 

There will be zero tolerance towards persons who commit crimes shortly before, during or after the storm. Maintaining public order and security requires strict government action against those who abuse the situation by, for example, looting or breaking and entering.

 

Violators will be arrested and immediately fined or sentenced to community service. The Public Prosecutor’s Office will utilize the ‘Jerry Transaction List’.

 

In more serious cases, the rule of Justice As Soon As Possible (JASAP) will be applied. The perpetrator will be summoned to appear before a judge on a short notice or will be placed in pre-trial detention pending a decision of the Public Prosecutor.

 

The police officers will make maximum use of their legal powers and will pay extra attention to certain high-risk locations. The police will be assisted by additional personnel from the Ministry of Defense, Voluntary Police Sint Maarten (VKS) and Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMAR) under the authority of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) and the Public Prosecution Service (OM).