Been going there for over 14 years, nothing ever changes. One thing that did puzzle me the last time I was there, and believe me I streetsmart which you have to be to survive. At the shark bar who Lou is a good friend of mine. There was a fight, three foreigners tours, fighting with one Dominican, and the Dominican did start the fight. No sooner than the fight started the police was there. Now I've been going there for many years police never show up that quick. Now what happened all went to the jail and the three tours had to pay I believe 5000 pesos apiece and the Dominican 30 pesos to get out of jail. Also I heard a few other stories from friends with similar situations. And even myself I had a few Dominicans trying to start trouble with me. But knowing the situation and what happens that everyone goes to jail and the people with the money, meeting tours pay the big money. Like I said I've going there for 14 years, had my pockets picked many times but never had people actually trying to start a fight with me. Wondering if this is a new scam with the police. First-time posting really enjoy everybody's stories about the Dominican Republic and of course all the advice they are giving.