Senate sends the Preliminary Draft Bill for Police Reform to a Special Commission

Santo Domingo. – The Senate of the Republic sent to a Special Commission the Preliminary Draft of the Organic Law of the National Police, delivered this Monday by the legal consultant of the Executive Branch, Antoliano Peralta, in the office of the president of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos. The commission will be chaired by Senator Franklin Romero and composed of senators Pedro Catrain Bonilla, Aracelis Villanueva, Cristóbal Castillo, Rafael Barón Duluc, Omar Fernández, Santiago Zorrilla, Moisés Ayala, Ramón Rogelio Genao, Carlos Gómez and Félix Bautista.

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The preliminary draft repeals Law 590-16, its implementing regulations (Decree 20-22) and articles 21 and 22 of Law 63-17. The proposal establishes three categories within the police career —Directive, Intermediate and Patrol Agent—, incorporates new patrol protocols, strengthens police training and prioritizes respect for fundamental rights. The initiative was developed after a consultation process throughout the country with entrepreneurs, religious leaders, and members of the institution, and according to the promoters, it seeks to modernize the National Police and adapt it to the new times.

Other Senate Approvals

In Tuesday’s session, the Senate approved:

• On first reading, the project that modifies article 38 of Law 590-16 and creates the Specialized Police in Search and Rescue of Missing and Kidnapped Persons, proposed by Senator Aracelis Villanueva.
• On first reading, the project of amnesty for the registration or voluntary surrender of irregular firearms, an initiative of Senator Franklin Romero.
• The designation of the auditorium of the CUR-UASD Sánchez Ramírez as “Bienvenido Antonio Lázala Fabián (Ñéñé)”, proposed by Ricardo de los Santos.
• On second reading, the designation of the athletics track of La Romana as “Professor Elpidio Encarnación”, and the courthouse of Montecristi as “Federico Guillermo Juliao González”.
• Several resolutions for the construction of infrastructure, the installation of police barracks and recognitions to figures from sports and culture, including César Gerónimo, Vitelio Mejía, Junior Noboa and Emelda Ramos.