Spanish
Santo Domingo. Between 2020 and 2026, the National Police has gone through a period of transformations marked by changes in its leadership, attempts at structural reform, and public debates around the use of force and citizen security.
During the administration of President Luis Abinader, four officers have headed the institution, each in a particular context of social pressure and demands for modernization.
Edward Sánchez González (2020–2021)
Major General Edward Sánchez González was appointed on August 16, 2020, as part of the first security changes of the new government. His management coincided with several high-impact cases that generated national and international questioning. Among them are the murder of the couple in Villa Altagracia, the death of the architect Leslie Rosado — allegedly at the hands of a police officer — and other events that placed the institution under strong public scrutiny.We recommend reading:Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta affirms that he delivered a "transformed" National Police after concluding his management
Criticism focused on homicide levels and reports of excessive use of force. After just over a year in office, he was removed in October 2021, amid a process that sought to deepen police reforms.Eduardo Alberto Then (2021–2023)
On October 17, 2021, Major General Eduardo Alberto Then assumed the direction, with the commitment to promote a more structured institutional transformation. During his management, internal controls were promoted, regional command reorganization, and programs aimed at improving citizen treatment. Although his administration was perceived as more technical and focused on administrative reforms, lethal confrontations continued to be recorded in operations, which kept the debate open on police action protocols. In November 2023, he was honorably retired and subsequently appointed as a presidential advisor on security matters.Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta (2023–2026)
Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta assumed the directorship on November 14, 2023, by presidential decree. His period was characterized by intensive operations against organized crime and common delinquency. However, the number of people who died in alleged exchanges of gunfire generated questions from social sectors and human rights organizations, who demanded greater transparency in the investigations. Guzmán Peralta remained in office until February 2026, in accordance with the limit established in the Organic Law of the National Police (Law 590-16).Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz (2026–present)
Since February 17, 2026, Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz has headed the institution. Previously, he served as Inspector General and Director of Internal Affairs. His arrival comes in a context of continuity of police reform, with emphasis on strengthening internal control mechanisms, the professionalization of the law enforcement body and the recovery of citizen trust.You can also read:Retirement Committee of the National Police commemorates 22 years of service and institutional commitment
