SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – October 17, 2026 – The Dominican Republic has shown significant progress in its rule-of-law framework, according to the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2025. The index indicates a 2.1% increase in the country’s overall score, marking the largest annual improvement among the 143 nations assessed.
This rise in score contrasts sharply with global trends, where 68% of countries experienced declines in rule-of-law indicators. Within Latin America and the Caribbean, 24 of 32 nations also faced setbacks during the same period. The Dominican Republic’s advancement is particularly noteworthy given the broader context of rule-of-law deterioration worldwide.
President Luis Abinader’s administration is undertaking a comprehensive reform of the National Police, which includes measures related to training, supervision, and operational change. Since 2023, nearly 9,500 new officers have joined the force, and as of November 2025, a total of 6,500 officers had completed training under a revamped educational model focused on service and modernization.
The Ministry of Interior and Police has highlighted the importance of increased transparency and accountability within the police force. This includes a commitment to hold officers accountable for any legal violations, thus reinforcing principles of law and order.
As part of the reform efforts, the Dominican Republic’s Citizen Security Data Analysis Center (CADSECI) reported an intentional homicide rate of 8.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, based on 951 recorded cases. This figure was derived from a robust interagency process, validating data beyond preliminary statistics. The integration of data analysis into crime assessment is a key part of the security strategy, enabling institutions to adapt and improve interventions based on empirical evidence.
The World Justice Project’s independent index, based on a wide range of surveys, assesses governance, justice, and institutional accountability. The Dominican Republic’s score of 0.50 reflects an independent external judgment on the rule of law, distinct from government performance metrics.
While security rates and police reform measure different aspects of governance, their concurrent improvement signals an evolving institutional landscape under President Abinader. Sustaining these changes will be critical, as long-term resilience depends on embedding professional standards within the law enforcement framework and maintaining transparency in security data.
Looking ahead, the ongoing reforms and updated rule-of-law indicators will serve as a critical gauge for the Dominican Republic’s institutional progress and its commitment to enhancing public safety and accountability.
