The Foundation for Institutionalism and Justice (FINJUS) believes that the process of reform, professionalization and modernization of this institution, which is one of the great pillars of citizen security, cannot be postponed.
In a note issued this Sunday with the signature of the Executive Vice President of Finjus, Servio Tulio Castaños Guzmán, it proposes the adequate implementation of the Police Organic Law with the approval of its regulations; strengthen investigative capacities and continue to strengthen the intensive reform process so that law enforcement is responsive to the interests of society.
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FINJUS considers the completion of the police reform urgent
The Foundation for Institutionalism and Justice (FINJUS) believes that the process of reform, professionalization and modernization of this institution, which is one of the great pillars of citizen security, cannot be postponed.
It should be noted that since the promulgation and approval of the Organic Law of the National Police Number 590-16, although shy, certain progress has been made in various areas of the management of the institution; even considered one of the milestones in the realization of an effective citizen security policy.
One of the changing axes of police reform was primarily the adoption of a new organic law, a priority aspect, but insufficient in itself to achieve a comprehensive police reform. The main challenge is to correctly implement the aspirations contained in the law, through the adoption of the regulations for the operation of the organic law, and in addition to the organizational changes and management models, as well as the design of public policies necessary to doubling its efficiency and effectiveness in the prevention and prosecution of crime, in order to build greater and better confidence in citizens and respond to the present and future needs of an increasingly demanding and global society.
This is a need that deserves mandatory attention in view of the changes in democratic life that the country has undergone. It is vital to continue to strengthen law enforcement to be able to respond effectively to the current and future demands of Dominican society.
Another aspect that needs to be addressed is strengthening the police’s investigative capacity. Well, as the main subsidiary body of the criminal investigation, led by the prosecution service, the police subsystem is one of the cornerstones of the criminal justice system. Judges cannot be expected to rule without appropriate evidence, that is, scientifically reasonable, truthful and trustworthy, as the constitution provides that ‘no one shall be tried – or punished – without having been heard or duly subpoenaed, or without observe the procedures. established by law to ensure a fair trial and the exercise of the right to a defense. “It is therefore necessary to continue to strengthen the coordinated work between the prosecution service and police investigation technicians so that the investigation, the initial phase of which is crucial, can be aimed at destruction without any reasonable doubt and in strict compliance with standards due process, the presumption of innocence that our justice system recognizes for all accused.
Only in this way is it possible to strengthen the ties of the police with society; building trust in the institutions with law enforcement officers and generally in the recognition of the important role that the police have to play in the prevention and prosecution of organized crime and the maintenance of peaceful coexistence and democracy.
At FINJUS, we urge you to further strengthen the intensive reform process required to create a police body that responds to the interests of society; The institution has great potential and capabilities, all of which require a reformulated adaptation both normatively and structurally in order to have a positive and far-reaching impact on the work of this body.