Crime prevention and justice reform in Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, legal and social experts are advocating for a strategic shift in addressing crime and violence. Initial calls for reform emphasized moving beyond mere repression to address the root causes of violence, such as social conflict, through mediation and involvement from families and schools. During the VI International Congress on Law and Constitutional Justice in Santo Domingo, discussions focused on specific institutional improvements. Jurists argued for prioritizing investigative capacity and intelligence over increased penalties or excessive preventive detention. Jurist Francisco Álvarez noted that institutional deficiencies often lead different branches of the system to adopt “extreme, uncoordinated responses,” suggesting that preventive detention is frequently used to ensure the continuity of legal files when the system struggles to locate individuals. Experts warned against relying on “mano dura” (iron fist) policies, such as increased prison sentences, as primary solutions. Psychologist Luis Vergés highlighted social factors contributing to juvenile delinquency, noting a trend toward younger ages for the start of criminal careers. He advocated for strengthening family, school, and community bonds as essential prosocial tools for prevention. Parallel to these legal debates, the National Police faces a dilemma regarding its role in maintaining public safety versus upholding the physical integrity of suspects. This tension has intensified following reports of increased fatalities during police interventions. In the legislature, the rise in violence has sparked calls for national dialogue. While some officials defend current security measures, others, including religious leaders and opposition lawmakers, urge a focus on structural issues like lack of opportunity for youth and the need for institutional coordination to prevent extrajudicial violence. Adding to the national discourse, the 2027 General State Budget Project has been submitted to the Chamber of Deputies.