Because the island is two nations, it has several police forces — and visitors from North America will notice a far less intrusive presence. Officers are trained to defuse conflict rather than aggressively enforce the letter of the law, and they're well aware that tourism is the backbone of the economy.
Dutch side and French side
On the Dutch side, local police are assisted by officers from the Netherlands; the elite Royal Marechaussee handles border control, mostly at the airport. On the French side, the Gendarmes are most visible, rotating on-island only three to six months at a time, usually with some English-speaking officers — be friendly and patient.
Staying out of trouble
- Keep your rental documents in the glove box; a scan of your passport is enough ID, but carry your driver's license.
- The French side enforces more strictly: watch your drinking, no phone while driving, wear seat belts.
- Never offer a bribe — island police are not corrupt and will take the insult seriously.
- Ignore the 'Sheriff'-branded cars: that's a private security firm, not government authority.
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Safety Tips for St. Maarten