Suriname Minister Monorath addresses police staffing and overtime issues

Suriname’s Minister of Justice and Police, Harish Monorath, is seeking to reform the distribution of police personnel within the Korps Politie Suriname (KPS). The force currently operates with approximately 2,600 officers, facing a deficit compared to the required 3,500 personnel. This shortage is exacerbated by a monthly loss of 24 to 30 officers due to retirement, deaths, and emigration.

Monorath highlighted concerns regarding the allocation of manpower, noting that large numbers of officers are assigned to provide security for VIPs, former politicians, and their partners. In some instances, individuals have up to 21 officers assigned to them, which reduces the capacity for surveillance, crime prevention, and general public service. The Minister intends to critically assess whether these security arrangements remain necessary.

Additionally, Monorath addressed controversies regarding police overtime. He clarified that officers who perform actual extra hours will not have their overtime reduced, attributing recent confusion to administrative omissions that resulted in unpaid hours. To prevent abuse, an inter-ministerial commission has been established to monitor and regulate overtime across various services.