President Luis Abinader took advantage of the Monday, 4 September 2023 press conference to explain advances in police reform. He mentioned that more than 3,000 police agents are soon to graduate from the police academies in Hatillo, San Cristóbal, Rio San Juan, Maria Trinidad Sanchez and Boca Chica, Santo Domingo province.
President Abinader explained that the Police Reform Plan calls for hiring and training 32,000 more agents, to double the present police force through 2026.
President Abinader mentioned the government has made available RD$4.2 billion for the improvements to the police force in addition to the normal budgeted funds. Some of these funds are used to build 126 new police stations. A good amount has been going to the wage increases of the police, that have increased 126% for the low ranks. By the end of 2023, the minimum wage of police will be equivalent to US$500 a month.
President Abinader said that statistics indicate the Police resolves 75% of the cases. Robberies are down 24% this year.
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Presidency
N Digital
5 September 2023