El Caribe’s editorial this morning wonders if the group of high-ranking police officers, and former officers, who knowingly used vehicles that had been reported stolen and were recovered by the police for official and personal use will get off with few or no penalties. The case against some 59 officers and former officers is currently being heard in court. It was not until the present government took office in August 2004, that Interior and Police Minister Franklin Almeyda heeded the pleas of insurance companies that had been complaining to deaf ears in government for many years, to put a stop to the common practice. Previously, police officers were awarded the vehicles that had been paid by the insurance companies and others for their own use. The owners suffered the losses and had no recourse. Now it appears that through plea-bargaining, the officers will get off lightly on the grounds that it was a common practice dating back many years, including the previous Fernandez administration. But El Caribe wonders, “What message does this send if the state prosecutors and the police officers involved end up being acquitted by administrative means, and do not have to stand trial? In a few words: “Go ahead, take what is not yours and if you get caught you will be able to return it, negotiate and get off without penalty.”
The newspaper acknowledges that because 59 officers and former officers are involved, involving more than 40 lawyers and over 300 witnesses, the case would be long, complicated and tedious, but it comments that this should not be an obstacle to get to the end, so that the case might serve as an example to society and establish the principle that bosses also have to answer for their actions.”