The Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful, reported a slight increase in the accumulated homicide rate to date, reaching 7.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 7.5 recorded the previous week, as reported in Diario Libre.
Raful noted that despite the minor surge, territories like La Romana, Samaná, Puerto Plata, and three others have successfully maintained a zero homicide rate. Additionally, fifteen localities have registered single-digit rates.
Regarding the reasons behind the rise in homicides, Minister Raful said the lack of control in the sale of alcoholic beverages, particularly during prohibited hours, was one of the key contributors. She emphasized that excessive alcohol consumption and, in some cases, drug use are altering individuals’ behavior and fueling violent situations.
“A combination of factors requires individual evaluation,” she stated. “However, the definite impact is from the uncontrolled sale of alcohol at specific hours and the high consumption of both alcohol and certain drugs that alter the consciousness of our citizens.” She further added that criminal acts or individuals in conflict with the law might also influence this rise.
According to Minister Raful, the Dominican Republic has experienced 1,200 fewer robberies compared to the previous year. This improvement is credited to enhanced response capabilities of the National Police, more effective strategies, and optimizations within the 911 system.
“This result reflects our daily monitoring and evaluation of law enforcement agencies’ responses, enabling quicker action from our security forces and better handling of complaints,” she explained.
Raful says that checking alcoholic beverage sales will control crime.
Night life business owners are not happy with the statements by the Minister of Interior and Police. Junior Gonzalez, speaking for the Unión Dominicana de Propietarios de Centros Nocturnos de Diversión (UDCEND) denied night life places and alcohol sales are behind crime. He said more thefts happen during the day than at night.
Richard Hernández, secretary general for UDCEND, said the statements by the Minister of Interior and Police are “real nonsense.” He said that those that are going around robbing are not the same people who are out having a good time. “Faride’s way of thinking is very wrong because we are a part of tourism and gastronomy in the Dominican Republic. We are part of the solution, not the problem,” stated the owner of Mixer Bar and Lounge that is open until 3am on the Av. España in eastern Santo Domingo.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Hoy
Ministry of Interior and Police
Hoy Mismo
25 February 2025