Dominican Republic National Police roots trace to 1916 US occupation

The historical origins of the Dominican Republic’s National Police are rooted in the United States military occupation that began in 1916. In 1917, occupying authorities established the Dominican National Guard to pacify the territory, disarm regional leaders, and ensure political and military control. This force was organized and directed by United States Marine Corps officers to preserve strategic and economic interests.

This institutional foundation later served as the basis for the repressive apparatus during the country’s longest dictatorship. Notably, Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina joined the National Guard in December 1918. The occupation itself was preceded by political and financial instability, including significant debt to the American firm Santo Domingo Improvement Company, which led to the 1903 Protocol and subsequent US administration of national customs to guarantee payments.