The Police received an average of 13 complaints for stolen vehicles each day of 2004, but for every 100 vehicles stolen only 48 were ever returned to their owners. Of the 1,843 motorcycles that were stolen only 293 were ever found and returned. Of the 2,881 cars that were stolen, the Police recovered 1,971 of them.
Only 216 persons were sent to court accused of robbery. Perhaps the light on the horizon is the fact that the Police spokesperson, Jose Gonzalez told reporters from the Diario Libre that car theft complaints have fallen to just three per day.
As the Police celebrate their Patron Saint’s Day and one more year of existence, they have to deal with skepticism as to their efficiency and credibility. Public opinion on the force is at an all time low level and internal strife within the ranks seems to be rising. Miserable salaries, a notable lack of equipment, low morale, and serious doubts about the ethical fitness of many of its members have converted the Police into a poorly appreciated entity within the Dominican population.