Korps Politie Suriname (KPS; Suriname Police Corps) will intensify its fight against crime in the coming period, with the Nationaal Leger (National Army) also being deployed to support the police.
The new security measures were explained on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a joint press conference by the police and fire service at the police headquarters on Duisburglaan. The announcement followed an emergency consultation with President Jennifer Simons on the security situation in the country.
The government has given permission to deploy the Nationaal Leger more intensively in support of the police. With additional patrols, joint operations and stricter checks, the authorities aim to reduce crime.
The measures come at a time when Suriname is facing serious violent incidents. In particular, the armed robberies of recent days, including the fatal armed robbery on Wilhelminastraat, have once again sparked debate about the safety of citizens.
Police chief warns criminals of tougher action
Police chief Melvin Pinas said during the press conference that the police will significantly increase pressure on criminal groups. According to him, lawbreakers will be confronted more emphatically with police action in the coming period. “Criminals must look for another profession, because they absolutely will not have it easy in this country in the coming period,” Pinas warned.
The police chief stressed that the police are prepared for a possible increase in crime in November and December. According to the police, these months generally require additional security measures.
The more intensive cooperation with Defence must ensure that the police have more operational support. The authorities aim not only to respond more quickly to criminal offences, but also to increase the visibility of the security services.
Fire service receives hundreds of reports daily
In addition to the crime problem, the situation at Korps Brandweer Suriname also requires urgent attention. According to the fire service, between 200 and 300 reports of grass and rubbish burning are registered nationwide every day. In Paramaribo alone, there are approximately 70 to 80 reports per day.
The large number of reports places heavy pressure on the available personnel and equipment. The corps also faces a shortage of operational fire engines, putting the deployability of several stations under pressure.
The situation is further complicated by the continuing dry weather conditions. As a result, grass and rubbish fires can spread quickly and spread to homes and other buildings.
Fire service urges citizens to stop burning rubbish
The KBS therefore urgently appeals to the public not to burn grass, household waste or other rubbish in the open air. According to the fire service, such fires can not only pose a danger to nearby residents, but can also take up valuable capacity needed to tackle larger incidents.
The persistent fire problem at the landfill sites in Ornamibo and Charlesburg also places an additional burden on the emergency services. Smoke development at these locations has caused serious nuisance in recent times.
Citizens urged to report suspicious situations
The KPS asks the public to be extra vigilant in the coming period and to immediately report suspicious situations to the police. Citizens are also asked to cooperate with police checks and follow instructions from the security services.
With the announced measures, the authorities hope to improve safety and ease the pressure on the emergency services. The coming period will have to show to what extent the more intensive deployment of police officers and military personnel will actually lead to a reduction in violent crime.
