Security and rehabilitation are the two main axes highlighted this Saturday by Roberto Santana Sánchez, General Director of Penitentiary and Correctional Services, during the inauguration of the new Las Parras prison. This modern complex, which involves more than 8,500 inmates and nearly 4,000 employees, is born with the goal of consolidating citizen protection and the transformation of those deprived of liberty.
Innovation in security and rehabilitation: data and context
The opening of the new Las Parras prison marks a turning point for the Dominican penitentiary system. According to official figures, the facility is designed to house up to 8,500 inmates in controlled conditions and under strict security protocols. Santana Sánchez emphasized that “a penitentiary center, if managed correctly, is a factor of security, harmony, and democratic peace,” underlining the importance that security and rehabilitation are not just administrative elements, but transversal principles of the entire operation.
Comprehensive model of security and rehabilitation in Las Parras
The penitentiary center is distinguished by its focus on security and rehabilitation through education and mandatory work, supported by advanced technology and specialized professionals. This strategy is aligned with international reintegration standards, where rehabilitation seeks to reduce criminal recidivism and strengthen social protection.
- Strict control and monitoring to prevent the dominance of criminal groups within the prison.
- Permanent training of staff on security and rehabilitation protocols.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure to promote the mental and physical health of inmates.
Social and journalistic responsibility regarding security and rehabilitation
Santana Sánchez made a public call to society and the media to remain vigilant: “You either pay attention to this, or this gets out of control and you will all have to move away from here.” Past experiences in prisons like La Victoria have shown that external supervision is key to ensuring that the purpose of security and rehabilitation is not diluted by corrupt practices or the infiltration of criminal groups.
Impact of security and rehabilitation in the Dominican Republic
With more than 30,000 people involved daily among inmates, employees, and visitors, the new Las Parras prison represents one of the greatest logistical and human challenges of the national penitentiary sector. Experts and international organizations have repeatedly pointed out that the effective combination of security and rehabilitation is the path to reducing violence in prisons and guaranteeing social peace.
The commitment to management focused on security and rehabilitation responds to the urgent need to modernize the penitentiary system and strengthen democratic coexistence in the Dominican Republic. The future of Las Parras and its real contribution will depend on citizen vigilance and institutional capacity to sustain this innovative model, where security and rehabilitation must always be the priority.