Dominican legal entities call for review of police shootouts

The Colegio de Abogados de la República Dominicana (CARD) and the Defensor del Pueblo have raised concerns regarding the increase in fatal police encounters, commonly referred to as “intercambios de disparos,” in the Dominican Republic.

CARD has called for a reevaluation of police actions, arguing that the National Police currently lack the necessary logistical resources and preparation to fulfill their constitutional mandate of ensuring public security. The organization advocates for an integral security policy that prioritizes prevention, education, social assistance, and job opportunities to address the root causes of crime, such as inequality and drug consumption.

Simultaneously, the Defensor del Pueblo, Pablo Ulloa, questioned the impact of these fatal encounters on criminal investigations. Ulloa warned that the death of suspects during operations may result in the loss of vital intelligence needed to dismantle larger criminal networks. He emphasized that suspects should be brought to justice through due process to uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional right to life.