NewsWhore
09-17-2009, 06:00 PM
The rising violence in their neighborhoods has led residents in San Francisco de Macoris to set up small community protection groups called "ronderos." However, the Ministry of Interior and Police has described the formation of these groups as "dangerous". Minister Franklyn Almeyda says that only the Police have the mandate to protect the citizenry against crime and violence.
The creation of self-protection groups armed with guns and other weapons could lead to other problems with the police, said the minister.
Almeyda added that citizens should go to the National Police if they have any concerns. Nonetheless, a lack of trust in the Police has been the main factor behind these local protection groups.
Today's Clave newspaper reports that the police's inability to provide security has led to the de-facto privatization of the service, with an estimated 10,000-60,000 private security guards employed by 230 companies across the country, compared to the 30,000-strong police force.
"The poor quality of public security here has led to a huge increase in the use of private security," says political scientist Daniel Pou.
The newspaper says that the lack of regulation of the private security sector has led to distortions where private guards can sometimes pose a threat to public safety.
The report also focuses on the low wages earned by private guards, about RD$7,100 for 12 hours of service, 6 days a week. Companies are under pressure to keep their charges low due to intense competition in the sector.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#6)
The creation of self-protection groups armed with guns and other weapons could lead to other problems with the police, said the minister.
Almeyda added that citizens should go to the National Police if they have any concerns. Nonetheless, a lack of trust in the Police has been the main factor behind these local protection groups.
Today's Clave newspaper reports that the police's inability to provide security has led to the de-facto privatization of the service, with an estimated 10,000-60,000 private security guards employed by 230 companies across the country, compared to the 30,000-strong police force.
"The poor quality of public security here has led to a huge increase in the use of private security," says political scientist Daniel Pou.
The newspaper says that the lack of regulation of the private security sector has led to distortions where private guards can sometimes pose a threat to public safety.
The report also focuses on the low wages earned by private guards, about RD$7,100 for 12 hours of service, 6 days a week. Companies are under pressure to keep their charges low due to intense competition in the sector.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#6)