The Foundation for Institutionality and Justice (FINJUS) considers 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, proposes the proper application of the Organic Law of the Police with the approval of its regulations; strengthening investigative capacity and further strengthening the intensive reform process so that the law enforcement body responds to the best interests of society.
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FINJUS considers that police reform is urgent
The Foundation for Institutionality and Justice (FINJUS) considers 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 adoption of the Organic Law of the National Police number 590-16, although timid, some progress has been made in various areas of the institution’s management; considered even as one of the milestones in achieving an effective security policy for citizens.
Indeed, one of the transformative axes of police reform was, first and foremost, the adoption of a new organic law, a priority, but in itself insufficient, for a comprehensive police reform. The biggest challenge is to properly implement the aspirations contained in the law, by approving the Regulations for the functioning of the Organic Law and, in addition to organizational changes and management models, as well as designing public policies that are necessary to double efficiency and effectiveness in prevention and prosecution, so that greater and better trust can be generated in citizens and respond to the present and future needs of an increasingly demanding and global society.
This is a need that deserves special attention in the face of the transformations in the democratic life that the country has undergone. It is vital to further strengthen the law enforcement entity in order to respond effectively to the current and future requirements of Dominican society.
Another issue that needs to be addressed is strengthening the police’s investigative capacity. Well, as the main auxiliary body of the criminal investigation, which is led by the Public Ministry, the police subsystem is one of the cornerstones of the criminal justice system. Judges cannot be expected to decide without adequate evidence, ie scientifically reasonable, truthful and reliable, because the Constitution states that “no one may be tried – or punished – without being properly heard or summoned or without comply with the procedures established by law to ensure a fair trial and the exercise of the right of defense. “It is therefore necessary to further strengthen the coordinated work between the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the police investigating technicians so that the investigation, the initial stage of which is crucial, can aim to destroy, beyond any reasonable doubt and in strict compliance with the rules. fair trial, the presumption of innocence that our legal system recognizes for all defendants.
Only in this way is it possible to advance in strengthening the Police’s ties with society; increasing trust in institutions with law enforcement officers and, in general, in recognizing the great role that the police must play in the prevention and prosecution of organized crime and the maintenance of peaceful coexistence and democracy.
At FINJUS, we urge you to continue to strengthen the intense reform process that is necessary to achieve a police force that responds to the higher interests of society; The institution has great potential and capacities, all of which require a reformulated adaptation both from a normative and structural point of view, in order to obtain a positive and far-reaching impact on the activity of this body.