Abinader launches second phase of new police patrol model in La Altagracia

La Altagracia.- President Luis Abinader launched Friday the second phase of the New Model of Police Service and Patrol (MSPP) in La Altagracia, adding 990 trained and equipped officers and reorganizing police operations into 84 quadrants and 39 corridors across seven areas of the province.

The expansion is part of the government’s police reform and modernization program, which aims to extend the new patrol model to 24 police departments nationwide during 2026.

The model uses territorial data, defined protocols, specialized training and supervision to determine where and when officers are deployed. The areas covered in La Altagracia include Verón, Higüey, Villa Cerro, La Otra Banda, El Hoyo de Friusa, Bayahibe and San Rafael de Yuma.

Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful said the model had already produced results in four areas where it was previously implemented. Between January and July, reported robberies fell 35%, representing 1,046 fewer cases across those departments, according to ministry data.

Raful said the expansion is particularly important for La Altagracia because of the province’s population growth and its importance to the tourism and business sectors. She emphasized the need for a police force that is present in communities, properly trained and responsive to citizens.

More than 1,000 officers have been trained in the Basic Police Tactical System (SITAB) as part of the initiative, with instruction focused on citizen engagement, tactical procedures, decision-making, the proportional use of force and police resilience.

The new methodology also assesses each territory’s personnel, mobility and equipment needs to strengthen operational capacity.

According to authorities, the expansion seeks to bring police reform into citizens’ daily lives through a more organized, closer and better-prepared police service, while maintaining respect for the Constitution, human rights and human dignity.