Cruz Cruz exits Dominican police urging integrity over position

Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz has formally handed over command of the Dominican National Police to Major General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García, ending a six-month tenure marked by a farewell address centered on ethical integrity. The ceremony, led by Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful, followed President Luis Abinader's appointment of Rodríguez García via Decree 558-26 Source: diariolibree.

The farewell message

Cruz Cruz, who had been appointed in February 2026, used his departure to urge officers to uphold their principles. "Nunca, nunca permitan que nadie les haga creer que actuar correctamente es una debilidad o un error," he said, adding that "la integridad requiere carácter" and that "hacer lo correcto cuando nadie está mirando" defines a true public servant Source: listindiario. He stressed that officers should fight for what is right "aunque les cueste el puesto" Source: diariolibree.

Acknowledging errors

Cruz Cruz admitted his management made mistakes during its brief tenure, but asserted that every step was taken with the institution's welfare and public security in mind. "Seguramente también cometimos innumerables errores, pero podemos afirmar con absoluta tranquilidad que cada paso fue dado pensando en el bienestar de la institución," he said Source: diariolibree. He did not publicly attribute his replacement to any specific pressure or conflict.

Institutional continuity

He emphasized that the institution's progress matters more than who leads it, calling for opportunities for good officers and firm action against those who violate the law. "La institución no puede tolerar conductas que lesionen la credibilidad," he warned Source: diariolibree. He also defended that crime-fighting must stay within legal limits, stating that "la persecución del delito debe realizarse siempre dentro del marco de la ley" Source: diariolibree.