Local September 4, 2023 | 3:44 pm

Deputy expresses concern about the purchase of riot equipment and materials for School Police in Public Schools

Santo Domingo.- Gustavo Sánchez, a deputy of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) for the National District, has urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision to purchase riot repression equipment and materials for use by the School Police.

Sánchez, who is also a member of the PLD’s Political Committee, has asked education authorities to redirect these financial resources, especially given the current deficit in classroom spaces that has resulted in many students not having places in educational institutions.

He expressed his concern over the purchase of riot batons (macanas), pepper spray, handcuffs, and other instruments designed for controlling riots and criminal acts, especially at the start of the school year. Sánchez believes that this decision sends a negative message, implying that educational institutions are places of violence and indiscipline.

Sánchez emphasized that instead of resorting to repressive measures, students who may display improper behavior should receive professional guidance to encourage good behavior and cooperation.

Furthermore, he raised concerns about the possibility of inexperienced officers misusing these repressive materials, potentially leading to abuse.

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Edward
September 4, 2023 5:04 pm

“professional guidance to encourage good behavior and cooperation”
And what’s the next step after they stab or shoot the social workers?

Paul Tierney
September 5, 2023 11:00 am

This purchase of equipment may be part of a shell game with the national budget. The equipment could end up in the hands of the School Police or diverted to other government forces using school funds to pay the tab.

Yet, in today’s world it is not strange to reason the School Police need the equipment, not so much as to be used for student policing, but as a defense of students and staff from harm approaching from the outside.

Last edited 1 year ago by Paul Tierney