Spanish
“I feel the same. I mean, I'm on the street and I feel as insecure as always,” expressed María Fernanda when asked if she noticed any improvement in the security climate.
Another citizen described their routine as a way to protect themselves: “I get here at 7 in the morning and at 7 at night I'm back home. I don't go out at all. There's nothing on the street”.
In contrast, José Cruz acknowledged a more constant presence of the agents in his area: “Here the Police have been patrolling more frequently, in Cristo Rey, and that has given us a little more security”.However, from the Ensanche La Fe, a resident denied that there have been improvements: “Are the levels already low? No, no, no. Crime continues to plague. There are always criminals robbing, doing all kinds of things in the street. You know.”
Another interviewee opined that crime varies depending on the sector: “That depends on the area one is in. In some places it may be seen less, but in others it remains the same or worse.”Finally, a neighbor commented on the recent statements by the Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful, who assured that crime levels have decreased: “She is serious. I know her and her father. She is a decent woman. But crime has not gone down. What happens is that her advisors tell her that, and she repeats what they inform her. But that she is serious, she is”.
You can read: SD Metro to announce new operating hours
These statements, collected in different parts of Greater Santo Domingo, reflect that, despite the increase in police patrols on the streets, a large part of the population continues to feel unsafe and perceives that crime continues to be a latent threat.
