Santo Domingo.– Deputies reacted this Wednesday to the statements made by the outgoing director general of the National Police, retired Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz, who during his farewell urged officers to remain firm in doing “the right thing,” even when it might cost them their position.
Opposition lawmakers interpreted the statement as a message that should draw the Government’s attention to what is happening within the law enforcement institution, while the ruling party defended the decision to make the change in the General Directorate of the Police.
You might be interested in: An Israeli airstrike kills two members of internal security in central Gaza
The deputy of the Fuerza del Pueblo José David Báez considered that the words of Cruz Cruz should be taken into account due to the experience and knowledge he possesses regarding the internal functioning of the institution.
“He was trying to do the right thing, according to him, and the Government did not allow him to do the right things he wanted to do, and because of that, according to him, he loses his position”, stated Báez when interpreting the message delivered by the former director.
The congressman maintained that it is up to the Government to offer explanations regarding the situation of the National Police and stated that the institution is going through problems that have affected its credibility with the public.
“It is appropriate for the Government to provide an explanation as to what is happening in the National Police, because that member of that force is very knowledgeable, has a lot of experience, and, in that sense, we must listen to what he may have to say”, he stated.
Deputy Jorge Tavárez spoke in similar terms, describing the message left by Cruz Cruz as “profound” and “clear,” and considered that it brings the need for an effective reform of the National Police back to the table.
More Read
“It is a very profound message, clear, but very profound, because we know the vicissitudes that are experienced within that institution, even more so if you want to do the right thing,” he indicated.
Tavárez understood that the statements can also be interpreted as a message directed at the President of the Republic, because the appointment and replacement of the Director General of the Police falls under the Executive Branch.
“He is telling the president: you are removing me because I am trying to do things right”, the legislator maintained when explaining his interpretation of Cruz Cruz’s words.
Likewise, he requested that the new director be allowed to carry out his work and pointed out that people who act correctly should have space to perform their duties, regardless of their level of popularity.
“The opportunity must be given for the good to do its job even if it is not so popular, because those are not institutions of popularity, they are institutions to solve problems,” he stated.
In contrast, Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) deputy Rosendy Polanco refused to link Cruz Cruz’s departure to his seriousness or his intention to act correctly and assured that the country required a change in police leadership.
More Read
“I don’t think it’s about seriousness or lack thereof. The country deserved that change and today we are receiving it in a fabulous way,” he declared.
Polanco also questioned some of the former director’s actions and cited as an example his presence in Navarrete carrying a weapon on his belt while holding the highest position in the National Police, conduct he described as incorrect from his perspective.
When questioned about whether six months were enough to evaluate the results of a police director, the ruling party member maintained that a decision can be reconsidered at any time depending on the actions of the person holding the position.
However, when asked specifically how he evaluated Cruz Cruz’s six months in office, he replied: “I have no assessment”.
Cruz Cruz Exit
The reactions come after Cruz Cruz, during the transition of command ceremony led by the Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful, urged the members of the institution not to abandon their principles in order to keep a position.
“Do not stop fighting for what is right, even if it costs you your position. You must stand firm, fight for what is right, and not cling to any position”, stated the outgoing director.
His words have generated different interpretations in the political arena, especially regarding the circumstances of his departure and the internal challenges facing the National Police.
