More than 350 wanted suspects surrender to Dominican police since August
More than 350 people with arrest warrants have voluntarily surrendered to Dominican authorities since 17 August, according to the National Police.
More than 350 wanted individuals present themselves voluntarily before Dominican justice
More than 350 people linked to various crimes surrendered voluntarily to the authorities of the Dominican Republic since 17 August, according to reports by infobae.com based on statements from the National Police. All had active arrest warrants and were placed at the disposal of the courts at various points across the country.
National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira presented the figure this Friday as part of an appeal directed at other individuals who remain under police search. Pesqueira stated that those who choose to surrender can face their cases through established judicial procedures, without the need for operations to locate them.
"Everyone is at the service of Justice," the spokesperson said. He added that the institution had not recorded, to date, any incidents related to the people who decided to appear voluntarily.
Pesqueira stressed that presenting themselves before the authorities allows each case to be referred through the appropriate channels and that the accused can exercise their right to a defence. "Each and every one of them is accorded due process," he declared.
The spokesperson denied that there exists an internal directive or a Government instruction to act in a specific way against people wanted by the courts. "Neither from the National Police nor from the superior Government exists such a guideline," he said.
Regarding capture operations, Pesqueira explained that these occur solely when the wanted individuals do not present themselves voluntarily and agents must execute the orders issued by the competent authorities. The Police, he noted, makes appeals through various channels before making an arrest.
Cases in which police agents intervene are brought to the attention of the Public Prosecutor's Office, which must investigate the circumstances of each action and follow up on the process, according to the official's account.
Pesqueira pointed out that the role of the institution is to protect the population and ensure the safety of those who go out to study, work or carry out daily activities. He specifically mentioned students, workers, health professionals, teachers, motorcycle drivers and families.
The spokesperson also clarified that agents can respond when they are attacked during an operation, but that such a response must be governed by the proportional use of force, with the aim of preserving the lives of citizens, their property and the integrity of police officers.
The National Police reiterated that voluntary surrender is the path it recommends to all people wanted by the courts.
Source: Google News DO — Crime