Law enforcement defends stopping ‘suspect profile’ bikers

Santo Domingo.- Justice minister Francisco Dominguez and NationalPolice chief Nelson Peguero on Tuesday defended the operations to stop and questionmotorcyclists who exhibit a "suspect profile," in the wake of criticismby various sectors that deem the practice unconstitutional.

"If there are two young men on a high-poweredmotorcycle on public roads, without a helmet, without identification as a moto-taxis,who isn’t riding any woman or any child, they should be stopped and checked,"Dominguez said.

In that regard, Peguero said the practice has cut crime by50% in Santo Domingo province.

Both officials spoke in the workshop "Leadership,Discipline and Service" held at National Police headquarters for senior law-enforcementcommanders.