Beware of PN in the Capital........roaming gangs of theives

Larry

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Mar 22, 2002
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Hello everyone. I have not been around here in a while with my starting a new job and moving to a new apartment has taken up so much of my time. Anyway, if you live in the capital, I think you should here what happened to me the other night....


I left work around midnight and decided to go for a ride down the malecon as I was not tired and with the stupid laws in place, I could not go to any establishments because everything closes at midnight. While driving down around the Hilton, I was pulled over by the police. Theywere PN, not AMET. I had done nothing wrong. Anyway, when I pulled over, they p?lled up next to me and when they (2 seargents and one cop) saw that I was a foreigner, they immediatley scowled at me in an effort to put some fear into me, no doubt. They got out of the car and one of the seargents asked me for my paperwork. I gave him a copy of my matricula and my American license and began looking for my insurance card as I had misplaced it in my wallet somehow. He asked why I didnt have a Dominican license. I told him that I had not gotten a chance to get one yet. Then he asked me how long I have been living here. A year an a half, I replied. He then told me I was driving without a license to which answered that I was out of the country and returned 10 days ago (a lie). He asked to see my passport and I told him it was home and that I live on the other side of the city. Then he asked where was my insurance card and I told him I would find it to please give me a minute. Then he oprdered me out of the car and one of the other assholes searched my vehicle from top to bottom. At this point, I still had not found my insurance card and the seargent who was interregating me gotn my passanger seat and told me to get in and drive. The others followed in their car.

The seargent directed me down a dark street in Gazcue and told me to pull over. throughout the ride to this location, he kept rubbing his nose and snorting and his hands were shaking. It was obvious that he had done a lot of coke this particular evening. When I puled over, the others, who had followed got out of their car and got on either side of mine. Now the three of them told me I was going to jail for having no license and no insurance. I then took my wallet back out and found my insurance card. Theytold me then that I was going to jail for no license and that in the moring, someone would have to come with my passport as proof of what date I entered the country last. Now, I know that PN are not supposed to make traffic stops and I also know that I cannot be taken to jail for driving on an American license. I have also heard that the fine for driving without a license is 25 pesos. I told them that no, I was not going to jail. They said that yes I was. I admit that I was a little nervous but I knew that i had done nothing wrong so at this point I said, ok lets go then, take me to jail. They all looked at each other dumbfounded and again, I said, lets go, take me. I figured I would just call their bluff or worst case senario, I would call the lawyer I have retained for something else when we got there. At this point, They told me I could give them a gift and then I would not have to go to jail. I told them I would give them nothing. Then the 3 of them started arguing amongst themselves and finally, the cokehead seargent yelled at me that I could not drive around there again. Then they drove off and left me.

So, I decided to go home so I went back to the malecon and turned towards home. About 2 minutes later, by the Hotel Santo Domingo, I get pulled over again! Initilly, I thought it had to be the same guys but it was 2 different guys. They asked for my paperwork and when I produced everything, they told me to pull around the corner onto independencia. I did and then one of them asked me for 100 pesos because he was hungry. I told him I had no money. He scowled at me and I just sat there. Then after about 30 seconds, he gave me back my paperwork and drove off. I made it home in 1 piece.

I have heard this kind of thjing has hapened to a lot of people lately and that during the 1st year of Leonels administration, it would have never happend but that things are going downhill in a hurry.

Be careful out there.

PS sorry this post was loaded with typos but I am on a keyboard in a internet cafe and it is harrible. Also, I couldnt locate the quote key.

Larry
 

Mirador

On Permanent Vacation!
Apr 15, 2004
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.... PS sorry this post was loaded with typos but I am on a keyboard in a internet cafe and it is harrible. Also, I couldnt locate the quote key. Larry


Congratulations, Larry! But, twice the same night? Seems like someone doesn't like you, and is doing a trabajo on you (you know, the kind with a doll pierced with needles and burried in the ground). I'm more than willing to prepare a special resguardo for you to avoid similar incidents in the future...
 

jrf

Bronze
Jan 9, 2005
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Sorry the internet was harrible lol (jokin) and sorry you had that experience - not fun I bet.

Do you really think it is going downhill - fast that it is?
 

p1atan0

New member
May 25, 2004
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something similar

something verry similar happened to me by El Faro A Colon in the middle of the day.

I was driving with 2 friends of mine both female and from out of town. I was looking for the entrance to El Faro a Colon. when I made a turn and a cop (PN) and a buddy of his stoped me on a motorcicle. My first thaught was to run them over but since I was unarmed and really had no clue of how to get out of there, I stoped.

The policeman asked me for my license and whatnot everything was in order but still they said I would have to go down to the station with them. I refused and told them that I was gonna resolve this situation right here and now. I gave the guy 500 pesos and I demanded that he show me the entrance to El Faro although he wanted 1,500.

I think I still should have ran his azz over.
 
Feb 7, 2007
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It's always good to be friends with some (influential) PN or army officer (teniente and above, coronels are best, if you can get a general you've got creme of the pie) regardless of where they are stationed, and have their home and cell number for cases like this. A business card from them saying that you are their friends is also helpful. If you have done nothing wrong, and when encounting assholes like this, show them a card, make a call, and let them talk to your officer-friend. If they are unwilling, put the phone on the speakerphone and they would be "cooperative" immediately.
Also you can threaten (if you know you are in your rights) to call "asuntos internos" or talk to the office of "jefe de policia" (he is known for not tolerating assholes), memorize the car's license plate number, and their names if they have name tags (all PN personnel should wear name tags).
 

SantiagoDR

The "REAL" SantiagoDR
Jan 12, 2006
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The Good, the bad and the ugly.....

It's always good to be friends with some (influential) PN or army officer (teniente and above, coronels are best, if you can get a general you've got creme of the pie) regardless of where they are stationed, and have their home and cell number for cases like this. A business card from them saying that you are their friends is also helpful. If you have done nothing wrong, and when encounting assholes like this, show them a card, make a call, and let them talk to your officer-friend. If they are unwilling, put the phone on the speakerphone and they would be "cooperative" immediately.
Also you can threaten (if you know you are in your rights) to call "asuntos internos" or talk to the office of "jefe de policia" (he is known for not tolerating assholes), memorize the car's license plate number, and their names if they have name tags (all PN personnel should wear name tags).

As good as this advice may be, in the wrong hands and used at the wrong time could be deadly in this country. Being in a secluded location and trying the above advice could be very dangerous.

Dominicans are known for going to extremes. They will NEVER admit they are wrong, even when they are, and would rather fight just to prove it.

For example: How many times have you seen a driver cut someone off and get p*ssed at the driver they cut off and give them the "arm" for getting in their way?

Think about this before you act!

Giving people with guns (Especially Dominicans) an altermatium and pushing them into a corner I would not advise doing......... There"s a time to be macho and there's a time to realize when you are not in control.

PS: I have noticed PN pulling people over in Santiago lately also, I even mentioned it to my Dominican wife, things do seem to be getting worse here.
 
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Bob K

Silver
Aug 16, 2004
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Ok I will admit that I should know this but:
AMET= little green guys
Military= white and gray camoflage?
PN=??????

And who has what authority?

Bob K
 

La Profe_1

Moderator: Daily Headline News, Travel & Tourism
Oct 15, 2003
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Military wears green and brown camouflage. The white and gray camo is PN. PN also wears gray uniforms. Politur (tourist police) are usually in white shirts and navy pants. Have no idea about the municipal police!
 

fightingirish

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Dec 8, 2005
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Larry, youve got some cojones, man, or a great lawyer. Did they hint at the size of the "gift"? I wouldve paid it.
 
Feb 7, 2007
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That's good, yes.
But then you would have to feed them, more expensive, I suppose....

m'frog

Depends if you are "friends" or friends. Yes, you need to feed "friends". But if you are friends (without the ""), inviting to a drink from time to time, or small gifts (e.g. European chocolates, souvenirs, etc.) do the trick.
 

AZB

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Jan 2, 2002
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Larry, you did the right thing by standing on your grounds. You won because you were right. I am not intimidated by the national police but I do respect AMET. These guys don't take crap from anyone. I often cross red light even with policia nacional are stopped next to me on red lights. These guys are easy to handle. Guys, do not give into police here, if you become soft on them, they will eat you for lunch.
The last time i was stopped by 2 motorcycle cops in a dark street, they came up to me with guns drawn. I won't say what I offense I committed but I was truly at fault. These guys pulled me out of the car and pointed guns at me, then they tried to arrest my passenger too. The passenger locked the doors in fear so the police threatened to break the window to open up the door. At this point I decided to take matters in my own hands. I shouted at them to stop whatever they are doing and listen up. I told them that we were going tp resolve this thing here and now. One of them (the higher officer) said no, you are going to jail. I replied quickly and with authority that no, we are not going to jail and we will resolve this here. I then told the other guy to put his gun away, he didn't move so i ordered him " mire, guarda la pistola ahora, nosotros no somos criminales.....no estamos molestando a nadie...." Put the gun away, we are not bothering anyone and we are not criminals. At this point the police put the gun behind his back and actually paid me some attention. I was driving a SUV belonging to a friend with a gun under my seat. I don't know whether he had a license or not, but I didn't let them search my car. I called up my friend on the phone and gave the cel to police to talk. The cop was a bit nervous now so he took the phone. Make the long story short, I was escorted out of the area by the 2 cops. They apologized and let me go.
So the moral of the story is this: if you know people in important positions and if you keep your composure, you can get out of most jams in this country. I run almost 5 red light / night when there is no on coming traffic, and I break almost all traffic and civil laws in santiago. I have never ever gotten arrested or given a ticket. You must speak good spanish and must be a tigre (in good sense) and not to mention, have a god father watching over you.
AZB
 

Victor Laszlo

Bronze
Aug 24, 2004
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Just wondering

If there are municipal police forces, what is the role of the national police within the DR law enforcement structure? Are they something akin to state police in the US?
 

incredible

Member
Jul 9, 2006
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It happens in Malecon after midnight everynight i should video tape it from my balcony!
The police PN drive around with their lights on and never take them off like its a feeding frenzy.

Honestly, Sun-Thurs after mdinight on G Wshington, I say you have a 50-50 chance of getting pulled and they are all looking for money.

If the police aren't paid properly theyy become desperate and we all desperate people do desperate things...

This has to stop someone has to do something about this...
 

fightingirish

New member
Dec 8, 2005
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Have you guys *seen* the jail cells in the National Police centers? Are you kidding me?

I would part with 500 pesos in a second. Get out of Dodge.
 

Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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Have you guys *seen* the jail cells in the National Police centers? Are you kidding me?

I would part with 500 pesos in a second. Get out of Dodge.

In Larry's case they are not going to take him to jail.
These guys are just scum and if you have done nothing wrong, stand your ground. They can't afford to have issues with a foreigner over BS.

If you do stop, don't get out the car, don't let them in the car and stay calm.
Ask for their badge numbers and also write them down before you offer any documentation, watch them run like cockroaches.
 
Sep 19, 2005
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Hello Larry.

as far as you standing your ground....it is what you should do...but it isnt the smartest thing to do...it isnt like your view on tipping..."if we all dont do it, they get the point"

the issue is these PN is that they need their job..and they WANT more money...all you need to do is get very unlucky and get the meanest most hard core one and you are likely to end up in the ground someplace.

they know for this type of stuff, they can loose their job...so if they get pushed to the point of getting "caught" or think they might get turned in and it can be proven what they did...you could push them to extremes.

losing their job or getting rid of you with ther SLIGHT chance they would get caught and go to jail...they may choose killing the witness especially if the guy is super macho and doesnt want to look weak to the other PN with him....

you have to know it is so easy to hide a body in the dr....

it is possible that a white guy might not draw that extent as easily as a dominican...

I would NOT recoment a dominican go to such extremes, unless they are wise and armed...and they PN dont know it.

I know the police in the capitol area have a reputation for going to EXTREMES.

I told once before wherer 4 of them off duty shot out my buddies tires to steal his car...that turned out bad for them all , because he was armed and a very good shot. 3 were shot one died, and they admited to their crimes as a long standing habit.

but they went out shooting!!!!!!!!!!..they didnt back down!!!

late at night in the capitol...its a crap shoot

It will be very bad if this type of stuff makes it to Santiago as well.

I would never drive away from the main road.....but then again I have this idea that hurting or killing an american would make way more waves than doing it to a dominican citizen....you see what happened in banao... they killed that kid and planted the gun and made him out to be a criminal....

that would be hard to do to a foriegner.....

as far as the military officers card...it doesnt always work...because I have one and the guy didnt answer the phone....go figure....my buddies cousin is a repected general....even though he works the north west....the call is supposed to lessen the impact of any situation.....but he has to answer the phone!!!!

if you think about it...lets say 500 pesosis needed to make them go away...

for all the effort my view is that is a very good deal to pay 500 pesos( what $16 US)....to move on with my life with NO headaches...no injuries and less lost time....

bob