Recently the police department has stepped up the general controls. The Zero Tolerance Team which is mainly conducting these controls has reported that on Tuesday July 27th a total of 52 motor vehicles were checked in connection with the required documents to drive on the public roads. A total of seven cars and one motorcycle were towed. Fines totalling 21 have been given to drivers for traffic violations.
Also during these controls 72 persons were checked in connection with their legal status on the island and the identification laws. One person was arrested taken to the police station in connection with the violation of these laws.
The Police department is once again sending out a very stern message to the general public (residents from the Dutch and French side) that they should at all times, when in public, carry a valid pictured identification to their name with them, to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience or delays. This measure is stipulated and required by law. If some-one who is being checked by police and asked to properly identify themselves and can not do so, they will be taken to the police station. They will be then granted the opportunity to contact some-one who can bring their proper identification to the station. Once their identity has been established and everything found in order that person will be given a fine and then be allowed to leave. The police department is also sending out warnings to all business owners/managers that controls would be carry out in connection with the closing time of their businesses that is stipulated in their business-licenses or permits. Not adhering to these stipulations will result in the immediate closing of the establishment and receiving a fine.
Also the many "blocks", "hot spots" where groups of persons gather/hangout or areas identified by police as areas where these types of gatherings take place will constantly be controlled in connection with any criminal activities that may be taken place in these areas. Parents should encourage their children to stay away from these areas.
These controls will continue indefinitely.