Ernesto Rodríguez García assumes the leadership of the National Police amidst citizen skepticism
The recent appointment of Ernesto Rodríguez García as the new director general of the National Police has sparked a complex scenario of expectations and doubts in Dominican society. Despite the change in police leadership, a large part of the citizenry maintains a cautious stance, pointing out that a change of command is not enough to transform security levels and combat the crime that affects the country.
In a survey conducted by Alofoke Deportes, various respondents agreed that the problem of citizen security is structural and requires measures that transcend the figure of the director in office. Although there is a desire for this new administration to finally push for the long-awaited institutional reform, criticism prevails regarding the need for comprehensive state policies.
Expert and citizen voices demand fundamental changes
Political scientist Paulino Ureña described the previous administration as a failure, questioning the brevity of the six-month term, when the Organic Police Law provides for a two-year period. Ureña emphasized that the Government must conduct a more in-depth evaluation of profiles before making appointments of such relevance.
It is useless to appoint a good chief if the rest of the police force lacks education and training. The good performance of a director requires that all members of the institution work under the same professional direction.
Freddy Ariel, citizen consulted
For his part, voices such as Francisco Peña’s stressed that crime is not eradicated solely through changes in leadership, but through a robust State strategy. In this sense, citizens like Emilio Mateo emphasized academic training and the commitment of officers as the true pillars for improving police performance and regaining the population’s trust.
The challenges of the new management
- Comprehensive Reform: Citizens demand that the transformation does not remain just rhetoric, but reaches the internal structure.
- Police Training: There is a clear demand to raise the educational and preparation standards for officers on the streets.
- Concrete Results: The population expects tangible measures that succeed in reducing robbery and violent crime rates in the short term.
Ernesto Rodríguez García takes the reins of the institution at a critical moment, replacing Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz. His main challenge will be to demonstrate, through decisive actions, that his appointment is the necessary catalyst to strengthen national security and restore the social peace that Dominicans demand.
