Sosua police sacked after corruption allegations

The Sosua police force were in turmoil last week (May 29th) after the head of the National Police, Major General Rafael Guillermo Guzmán Fermín ordered the replacement of all police personnel in Sosua.
Growing dissatisfaction with the ability of the local police and constant rumours of police being involved in the distribution of drugs in the area were the reasons given for this drastic turn of events. Sosua residents say they are afraid to go out in the town after 8pm and that drug trafficking is now becoming blatantly visible.
Puerto Plata Department Inspector Colonel José Antonio Hernández Guzmán was replaced by Colonel Dionisio Rafael López, while Deputy Assistant Director of Criminal Investigations, Lieutenant Colonel Manuel de Jesús Féliz Bello, was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel José Mercedes Alcántara Ruiz.
All outgoing senior officers have been suspended for 30 days and sent to police headquarters in Santo Domingo for investigation.
Junior officers have been replaced and will also be investigated through the Central Directorate of Internal Affairs to determine whether they have any link with the allegations.
Several residents we spoke to were positive that the changes would improve the area. Previously residents had complained that there was a noticeable increase in drug trafficking on the streets over the last couple of years and that local police seemed unable or unwilling to do much about it.
Major General Guzmán Fermín has given strict instructions to the ingoing officers to be firm in their dealings with law breakers and drug dealers, insisting that priority be given to ensuring that that peace is restored to the tourist town, and that police always respect human rights.
The National Police head has also appealed to residents to continue to notify them of any actual or suspected crimes and they are committed to investigate them in a transparent and expeditious manner. A hotline number has also been set up for residents to call to report a crime on 809-685-2020. All callers will be treated in confidence.
In a separate statement at the National Palace, Major General Guzmán Fermín denied that violence and crime has increased in the country in recent months.
“We are going to deliver statistics showing that the most violent eastern area has seen reduced crime and violence due to preventative actions by the National Police.”
He reiterated that he can demonstrate that there has been a reduction in violence and crime, underpinned with statistical data they have, and an assessment made by staff.
He stressed that the Police are working with statistics, focusing on crimes in the neighbourhoods that most require it, and that it is of utmost importance to accept timely feedback from citizens and respect the individuals’ rights.