At the beginning of the week, the Police nationale d’Haïti (PNH) made the headlines. It found itself in a position that any administration generally seeks to avoid. A disciplinary case—and possibly a criminal matter—at the origin of the isolation of four police officers placed the institution under the spotlight.

The case, and its handling, led to excesses and overflows. Police officers—or individuals identified as such—demanded the release of their colleagues and committed, in full public view, offenses ranging from disturbances of public order to obstruction of public roads, including gunfire in the streets. These offenses constitute misdemeanors falling under the jurisdiction of the criminal court.