Faride Raful vows no impunity for police abuses as reform advances

Santo Domingo.- Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful reaffirmed the Dominican government’s commitment to transforming the National Police, pledging that police abuses will not go unpunished and acknowledging that public distrust remains one of the key challenges driving the reform.

Speaking after Monday’s Citizen Security Task Force meeting, led by President Luis Abinader, Raful said authorities are prioritizing transparency and ensuring that every alleged case of police misconduct is referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for investigation.

She highlighted several milestones of the reform, including the graduation of more than 12,000 police officers following year-long training, the strengthening of the Higher Police Education Institute (IPES), the creation of security committees, and the deployment of body cameras to improve accountability and oversight.

Raful also warned that social violence remains a major public security challenge. Of the 43 homicides recorded between July 1 and 17, she said 33 stemmed from interpersonal conflicts, underscoring the need for stronger prevention efforts.

The minister pointed to the proposed Citizen Coexistence Bill and the 2026-2035 Strategic Plan for Citizen Security as key initiatives aimed at strengthening prevention through schools, sports, communities, and coordinated action across government institutions.