Abinader Opens New Dominican Police Training Complex
Dominican Republic · SECURITY
Key Facts
- —Investment More than RD$358 million (Dominican pesos) was spent on the new complex.
- —Facilities The complex includes 14 classrooms, forensic labs, a library, and a data center.
- —Builder The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED) constructed the complex.
- —Purpose The facility aims to strengthen training and professionalization of National Police members.
- —Reform The police reform continues despite difficulties, according to President Abinader.
The new complex marks a step in the Dominican Republic’s ongoing effort to professionalize its national police force.
President Luis Abinader inaugurated the new Dominican Police Training complex on Friday, August 21, 2026. The facility, built for the Instituto Policial de Educación Superior (IPES), represents an investment of more than RD$358 million.
Inauguration Event
President Luis Abinader opened the new IPES complex on Friday, August 21, 2026. The ceremony was covered by Dominican outlets Noticias SIN and N Digital.
The IPES is the police higher-education institute that trains and certifies members of the Dominican Policía Nacional, the country’s civilian police force. The new complex is part of the government’s transformation and modernization of the National Police.
The ceremony marked a milestone for the Policía Nacional’s training infrastructure. However, the exact location of the complex was not disclosed in the reports.
The ceremony was part of a broader police modernization push. However, the reports did not specify the exact location of the new complex.
Investment Details
The building represents an investment of more than RD$358 million in Dominican pesos, according to Noticias SIN and N Digital. No closed figure was published, so the cost exceeded that amount.
The Dominican peso is the national currency, and no official exchange rate was found for the inauguration date. Therefore, the investment remains in pesos without conversion.
The investment exceeded RD$358 million, a significant sum for police education. Meanwhile, this amount does not include the earlier RD$100 million spent in 2023.
The investment of more than RD$358 million remains in Dominican pesos. Meanwhile, this amount does not include the earlier RD$100 million spent in 2023.
Facilities and Features
For example, the complex houses 14 classrooms, labs, a library, and a data center. Additionally, it includes areas for student welfare, academic coordination, psychology, and primary health care.
In addition, these facilities support police officer training and professionalization. The stated purpose is to strengthen the instruction and professionalization of members of the Policía Nacional.
The complex includes specialized labs for forensic computing, chemistry, and physics. In addition, it has a hearing room and a multipurpose hall for various activities.
The complex includes a teachers’ room and a hearing room. In addition, it has a multipurpose hall for various activities.
Construction by MIVHED
The complex was built by the Ministerio de Vivienda, Hábitat y Edificaciones (MIVHED), the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings. This ministry is responsible for housing policy and supervising state building projects.
MIVHED was created by Law No. 160-21. Which also abolished two earlier bodies: the National Housing Institute (INVI) and the Office of Engineers Supervising State Works (OISOE).
The ministry’s history page dates its creation to August 3, 2021. MIVHED, created in 2021, replaced the INVI and OISOE agencies.
Since then, it has overseen state building projects, including this police complex. MIVHED, created by Law No. 160-21, replaced the INVI and OISOE agencies.
Since then, it has overseen state building projects, including this police complex.
Police Reform Commitment
President Abinader used the event to say that the police reform will continue despite its difficulties. According to Noticias SIN, he said the facilities would let officers continue preparation.
Moreover, an official communiqué called the building modern, meant to strengthen officer training. This is part of the government’s transformation and modernization of the National Police.
The president’s remarks underscored the reform’s continuity despite obstacles. As a result, the new facilities aim to enhance officers’ response capabilities.
Earlier Investments
In September 2023, the Presidencia recorded an investment of RD$100 million in enlarging the Instituto Policial de Educación Superior. That was an earlier and separate outlay from the more than RD$358 million spent on the new complex.
In fact, the 2023 statement noted 1,300 officers certified and six months of instruction. These figures highlight the ongoing efforts to professionalize the force.
The 2023 enlargement of IPES cost RD$100 million, a separate investment. Meanwhile, the new complex’s cost of over RD$358 million is distinct and later.
Pay Increases for Officers
The 2023 Presidencia statement also recorded pay rises for officers. Meanwhile, corporals’ salaries rose 126 percent, and privates’ rose 142 percent.
Later, on October 29, 2023, further adjustments were reported for conscripts and privates. However, these are separate, later figures from the 2023 ones.
In 2023, corporals’ pay rose from RD$10,150.42 to RD$24,555.90 monthly. However, later adjustments in October set corporals at RD$30,693.03.
In 2023, privates’ pay rose from RD$11,600.38 to RD$26,233.36 monthly. However, later adjustments in October set privates at RD$29,025.07.
Related Inauguration
In the same month, President Abinader inaugurated the roofing of the Centro Educacional Santo Cura de Ars (CESCAR) in Capotillo. That project benefits more than 1,500 students, according to Diario Libre.
No cost was given for the CESCAR roofing, and it is not the IPES complex. This separate event underscores the government’s focus on infrastructure and education.
The CESCAR roofing project benefits over 1,500 students, according to Diario Libre. Although no cost was given, it highlights ongoing infrastructure efforts.
Significance for Dominican Police Training
The new complex is a key part of the Dominican Police Training effort, aiming to enhance the skills and professionalism of officers. By providing modern facilities, the government hopes to improve the force’s response to the population’s needs.
Despite challenges, the reform continues, as President Abinader emphasized. The investment in the IPES complex signals a long-term commitment to police modernization.
This investment strengthens the professionalization of the National Police force. Consequently, it supports the government’s broader reform agenda despite challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IPES?
The Instituto Policial de Educación Superior (IPES) is the police higher-education institute that trains and certifies members of the Dominican Policía Nacional. It is central to the professionalization of the national police force.
How much did the new complex cost?
The investment exceeded RD$358 million in Dominican pesos, according to Noticias SIN and N Digital. No exact figure was published, and no currency conversion is available.
Who built the complex?
The complex was built by the Ministerio de Vivienda, Hábitat y Edificaciones (MIVHED). The Dominican ministry responsible for housing and state building projects.
What facilities does the complex include?
The complex includes 14 classrooms, laboratories for forensic computing, chemistry, and physics, a library. A data center, a teachers’ room, a hearing room, and a multipurpose hall.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Noticias SIN; N Digital; Diario Libre; Presidencia de la República Dominicana; Policía Nacional; MIVHED.
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