The Dominican Republic has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against crime, with the country recording its lowest homicide rate in years, the Ministry of Interior and Police reports. Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful announced on 5 November 2024 that the homicide rate for October 2024 dropped to 7.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, marking a substantial decrease.
Raful attributed this success to the concerted efforts of a multi-agency task force, which includes the National Police, the Armed Force, the Ministry of Public Works, and various law enforcement agencies. She highlighted that in 10 out of the 17 territories under the task force’s jurisdiction, there were no homicides reported in October.
The minister emphasized that the overall homicide rate for the year is currently at 9.65 per 100,000 inhabitants, which remains below the double-digit mark. She also noted that authorities are closely monitoring the country’s road network, particularly the Autovía del Este, 6 de Noviembre, the Samaná toll road, and the Autopista Duarte, as these highways have been identified as the primary locations for fatal accidents.
Minister Fadul’s remarks were made following a meeting of the Joint Task Force, which was chaired by President Luis Abinader. Other government officials, including the ministers of the Presidency and Defense, as well as the commanders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, were also in attendance.
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Ministry of Interior & Police
Listin Diario
6 November 2024