The National Police shot and killed 360 persons during 2004. The shootings took place when civilians and the police faced-off, either as a result of crimes or during investigations. According to the Human Rights Watch there were 160 more deaths at Police hands in 2004 than in 2003. The so-called “exchange of shots” is the reason given in police reports to explain the deaths. Sixty-five persons were reported killed in “still unclear circumstances” according to the report in El Caribe, during the month of August, when the government changed hands, and a new police chief was appointed. While some of the killings have resulted in dismissal and civilian court cases, others have been met with official silence, oftentimes the mere transfer of the offending personnel. Human Right spokespersons say that the policy of “Zero Tolerance” announced by the President, could be one of the reasons for the many killings. During 2002, under Major General Pedro de Jesus Candelier 171 were killed; under General Jaime Marte Martinez, 103 were killed.