Abinader names Ernesto Rodríguez García as new National Police director

President Luis Abinader has appointed General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García as the new director general of the National Police, promoting him to the rank of major general. The change, formalized in decree 558-26, places Rodríguez García in charge of the institution under the provisions of Law 590-16, which requires the director to be an active police general with that rank Source: Listín Diario. He replaces Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz, who has been placed in honorable retirement after only six months in the post Source: El Día. Cruz Cruz had been appointed on February 17, 2026, via decree 111-26, which is now partially repealed Source: El Caribe. The government has not explained the reasons for the change, stating only that it is part of a broader reorganization of state institutions Source: Diario Libre. Rodríguez García previously served as inspector general of the police, a position he assumed in February 2026, and has led the Digesett traffic agency, as well as regional and prevention commands Source: Hoy. Notably, Cruz Cruz also served as inspector general before becoming director, making this a rare succession pattern Source: Diario Libre. The appointment comes amid ongoing police reform efforts, including new patrol models and technology upgrades Source: Diario Libre. The change is part of a series of government reshuffles announced over the weekend Source: Listín Diario.