On Friday September 14th 2012, in the presence of Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, Minister Romeo Pantophlet , Minister Cornelius deWeever, President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel, Members of Parliament and top Justice Officials, the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan opened the St. Maarten Justice Academy.
The 1st Community Police Office was also inaugurated during the ceremony by Police Commissioner Carl John. 8 Community Police Officers were introduced to the general public. CPO Helen Cristina Romeo has been assigned the district of Middle Region and CPO Juan Statie will be responsible for the district of Dutch Quarter/ Belvedere.
The St. Maarten Justice Academy has will serve as the training facility for new recruits within the Ministry of Justice and for Civil Servants of other Ministries that are in training as Extra Ordinary Police Officers. The Academy is located on the grounds of the former Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School on the Mount William Hill.