SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant leadership overhaul of the nation’s law enforcement apparatus, President Luis Abinader has enacted Decree No. 111-26, orchestrating a high-level transition within the Dominican National Police. The presidential mandate elevates Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz to the rank of Major General and instates him as the institution’s new Director General.
The executive decision, grounded in the constitutional authority vested in Articles 255 and 256 of the Constitution and further empowered by Law No. 590-16 (the Organic Law of the National Police), facilitates the President’s prerogative to designate the force’s commander from its active general officers. The decree simultaneously nullifies the preceding Article 1 of Decree No. 557-23. In a corresponding move, the outgoing police chief, Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta, was honorably retired upon the conclusion of his tenure and subsequently appointed as a Presidential Advisor on police matters.
Major General Cruz Cruz ascends to this pivotal role equipped with a distinguished and multifaceted career in institutional command, oversight, and internal regulatory functions. His immediate prior position was Inspector General of the National Police (2023–2026). His extensive resume includes key leadership posts such as Director of Internal Affairs, Southern Regional Director, liaison officer coordinating between the Ministry of Defense and the National Police, and Director of Internal Control.
Academically, Cruz Cruz is a qualified engineer, an alumnus of the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University (UNPHU). He further holds a master’s degree in Defense and National Security from the esteemed Higher Institute for Defense “General Juan Pablo Duarte y Díez.” His professional expertise has been honed through specialized international training programs in transformational leadership, criminal investigation, crisis management, energy security, dignitary protection, and international cooperation, with certifications obtained from institutions in the United States, Israel, and Colombia.
His decorated service has been acknowledged with numerous national honors, including the prestigious Medal of Merit for Public Servants (First Category), alongside distinguished accolades from both the Armed Forces and the National Police, celebrating his unwavering dedication and contributions to fortifying national institutions.