High-profile incidents of apparent police brutality have caused public indignation, and concerns abound over disorder in neighbouring Haiti. President Luis Abinader, eying a possible 2024 re-election bid, has acknowledged problems, launching police reform and increased law-enforcement efforts. He has nevertheless attempted to manage expectations, warning citizens last year that he had no “magic wand” to resolve weaknesses in policing.
Mistrust of the police could foster a reluctance to report criminal activity.
Perceived institutional racism towards (predominantly Black) Haitians could threaten the Dominican Republic’s international image.
If concerns over criminal violence continue to rise, they could eventually pose a threat to the country’s lucrative tourism sector.
