Chief of the Police, Major General Pedro de Jesus Candelier announced the suspension of the surprise raids on barrios in slum areas. The decision is part of the reform and modernization plan of the police force, according to reports in Listin Diario and El Siglo newspapers. "The new times demand a Police that uses modern methods to carry out investigations, we need a balanced and more professional police force, and that is what we are trying to achieve with the reform and modernization program," said Candelier. Candelier also announced the arrival of nine new anti-riot water cistern trucks. In the past, the police primarily had used tear gas. Candelier took advantage of the opportunity to publicly request that the Attorney General’s office appoint judicial staff to each police station to observe the way they operate, help prevent police excesses and violations of human rights.
