DR Police Force...Friend or Foe???

[Frank the Tank]

Originally Posted by badpiece33

Cant wait for you to try to put me in my place. You people always assume your being stopped for no reason!! Why not take the time to cordially ask the officer the reason you were stopped and then you might be surprised to find out you quite possibly fit the description of a felon broadcast over the radio.

Amen Patrick.

[Tallman1818]

Originally Posted by A.Hidalgo

Speaking like a true patriot....makes you feel proud to be a Dominican.

Sure it does, LMAO!!!!!!!!

[CJnNJ]

But so far, we've not had a problem with them.

However, here's a heads up to those arriving in Las Americas airport: two friends on separate occasions, within the last week, were approached by a pair of police in the outside parking lot as they were heading towards the car. On each occasion they were asked for a "little donation" by the pair. Neither gave them money. Fortunately, they were in the company of an expat who knows the routine, ignored them, got in the car and left.

We'll be down there in a couple of days so, I'll see if they're still "doin the stroll".

Just be careful.

CJ

[Frog17112]

Originally Posted by CJnNJ

However, here's a heads up to those arriving in Las Americas airport: two friends on separate occasions, within the last week, were approached by a pair of police in the outside parking lot as they were heading towards the car. On each occasion they were asked for a "little donation" by the pair. Neither gave them money. Fortunately, they were in the company of an expat who knows the routine, ignored them, got in the car and left.
CJ

Here is my concern...I ignore them and they throw me in jail for my entire vacation. How safe is it just to ignore the police?

[Alyonka]

I asked some policemen in the Colonial Zone in SD to give me police number to program on my cell phone so that I could call if something happens to me - they were really nice, gave me the number, told me to stay safe and did not ask for anything. Should I not talk to them at all?

[Frog17112]

Originally Posted by Alyonka

I asked some policemen in the Colonial Zone in SD to give me police number to program on my cell phone so that I could call if something happens to me - they were really nice, gave me the number, told me to stay safe and did not ask for anything. Should I not talk to them at all?

You must've met some good cops...by reading the thread they're not all corrupt...but with my luck they'd want a "propina"...I'd tell them to kiss my a$$...and probably spend my vacation in the jail cell all inclusive...not the way I want to spend the holidays.

[laurapasinifan]

Originally Posted by Frog17112

Here is my concern...I ignore them and they throw me in jail for my entire vacation. How safe is it just to ignore the police?

they are looking for an easy mark.

people who worry just like you...

the people that think SOMETHING can happen to them if they dont pay, are usually the ones that pay...to be safe.

easy money, just for the asking.

you walk away and they may huff and puff.

dont have any worries in the day time...

but late at night and alone......??????

who knows.....

I would never worry about bodily harm from the police in a situation like that....but a huge hassle is a distinct possibility

good luck

bob

[Frog17112]

Originally Posted by laurapasinifan

people who worry just like you...

the people that think SOMETHING can happen to them if they dont pay, are usually the ones that pay...to be safe.

Exactly correct since we'd never just ignore police in the US...it seems contrary to the way we live...it takes "street experience" or real guts to just ignore them. I'll e-mail you from jail...

[Alyonka]

Originally Posted by Frog17112

You must've met some good cops...by reading the thread they're not all corrupt...but with my luck they'd want a "propina"...I'd tell them to kiss my a$$...and probably spend my vacation in the jail cell all inclusive...not the way I want to spend the holidays.

You know, actually most people in the DR I talked to did not ask me for ANYTHING. They were amazingly nice and polite - drivers, policemen, people on the street. Those who wanted to get something out of me but did not - left and never talked to me again. Those who just wanted to talk - continued our "spanglish." It is just that one really obnoxious person can spoil the entire vacation and impression we get from this country unfortunately. I cannot wait to go back to talk carefully to ONLY decent Dominicans - the ones who don't behave like poor doggies or gypsies.

[CJnNJ]

Originally Posted by Frog17112

Here is my concern...I ignore them and they throw me in jail for my entire vacation. How safe is it just to ignore the police?

They don't throw tourists in jail for not "donating". From what I gather from expats who live there (year round), some of the more helpful posts from this forum, and just common sense, If you feel you can't ignore them, at least say "no"-firmly, or pretend not to understand "Que?", "Que?" than to give them money. You risk becoming the target for the rest of your visit.

Chances are it won't happen to you. We've never had an issue, but know it can happen.

Now if, let's say it's dark and late at night, isolated, you have no idea where you are, you're alone, had a few too many cocktails and are surrounded by cops with bulging, er... gun holsters, probably best to play the "Que?", "Que?" card.

Chances are, it won't happen to you. Keep in mind, the Dominican economy depends on the tourist and neither the Dominican government, nor the local citizens would allow the cash cows to be scared out of the pasture.

Relax, again, chances are it won't happen to you.

CJnNJ