The Institutionality and Justice Foundation (FINJUS) considers it impossible to complete the process of reform, professionalization and modernization of this institution, which is one of the great pillars of public safety.
In a note issued this Sunday with the signature of the Executive Vice President of Finjus, Servi Tul·li Castaños Guzmán, raises the proper application of the Organic Law of the Police with the approval of its regulations; strengthen research capacities and continue to strengthen the intense reform process so that the body of order responds to the best interests of society.
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FINJUS considers it unavoidable to implement police reform
The Institutionality and Justice Foundation (FINJUS) considers it impossible to complete the process of reform, professionalization and modernization of this institution, which is one of the great pillars of public safety.
It should be noted that, since the enactment and adoption of the Organic Law of the National Police number 590-16, although timid, some progress has been made in various areas of the management of the institution; considering even as one of the milestones in the concretion of an effective policy of citizen security.
Indeed, one of the transforming axes of police reform, in the first place, was the adoption of a new organic law, a priority aspect, but insufficient in itself, for the achievement of a comprehensive police reform. The biggest challenge is to properly implement the aspirations contained in the law, through the approval of the Regulations for the operation of the Organic Law, and in addition to organizational changes and management models, as well as the design of public policies that they are necessary to redouble their efficiency and effectiveness in the prevention and prosecution of crime, so that greater and better confidence in the citizenry can be generated and respond to the present and future needs of an increasingly demanding and global society.
This is a necessity that deserves mandatory attention in the face of the transformations in the democratic life that the country has gone through. It is vital to continue to strengthen the entity of the order to respond effectively to the current and future demands of Dominican society.
Another aspect that needs to be addressed is the strengthening of police investigation capabilities. So, as the main auxiliary body of criminal investigation, which is headed by the Public Ministry, the police subsystem is one of the cornerstones of the criminal justice system. Judges cannot be expected to decide without suitable evidence, that is, scientifically reasonable, truthful and reliable, as the Constitution states that “no one may be tried – nor punished – without having been heard or duly summoned, procedures established by law to ensure an impartial trial and the exercise of the right of defense. “Hence, it is necessary to continue to strengthen the coordinated work between the Public Ministry and police investigating technicians so that the investigation, the stage initial is crucial, it may be aimed at destroying, beyond all reasonable doubt and with strict adherence to the rules of due process, the presumption of innocence that our legal system recognizes to all defendants.
It is only in this way that progress is made in strengthening the ties of the Police with society; the increase in trust in the institutions with law enforcement officers and in general, in the recognition of the great role that the Police must play in the prevention and prosecution of organized crime and the maintenance of peaceful coexistence and democracy.
From FINJUS we urge you to continue strengthening the intense reform process required to achieve a police body that responds to the best interests of society; the institution has great potential and capabilities, all of which require a reformulated adaptation both normatively and structurally, in order to achieve a positive and far-reaching impact on the tasks of this body.