reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 972i-1 - Administration of Division

The Secretary may appoint a Director for the Protection and Assistance to Victims and Witnesses Division, and delegate on said official the responsibility and authority to administer and to implement §§ 972—972j of this title.
The Division shall not be subjected to the provisions of §§ 931 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “General Services Administration Act”, nor to the provisions of §§ 933a et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Purchasing and Supplies Act”.
The Division is hereby empowered to carry out those appropriate, reasonable and necessary transactions to faithfully comply with the purposes of §§ 972—972j of this title.
The Department of Justice is likewise empowered to sell or otherwise dispose of its real or personal property or of any other interest therein which in the judgment of the Secretary of Justice is no longer necessary or useful for its purposes.
Nevertheless, under no circumstances shall the real property be disposed of until an appraisal of the value thereof has been made by appraisers of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The approval of the Legislature of Puerto Rico shall be necessary in those cases in which the transaction is covered by §§ 31—31o of Title 28.
History —July 9, 1986, No. 77, p. 249, added as § 10 on June 19, 1987, No. 28, p. 88, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 972i-2 - Fiscal flexibility

The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall establish the necessary regulations to guarantee the flexibility and confidentiality of the fiscal matters of the Division, including the availability of funds appropriated by the Legislature.
History —July 9, 1986, No. 77, p. 249, added as § 11 on June 19, 1987, No. 28, p. 88, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 972j - Regulations

The Secretary of Justice shall prepare and implement detailed regulations that allow compliance with the objectives of this act, sixty (60) days after its approval. These regulations shall also include provisions that integrate the victim’s and witnesses’s rights covered by the Federal Guidelines for Fair Treatment of Crime Victims and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System.
History —July 9, 1986, No. 77, p. 249, § 10, renumbered as § 12 on June 19, 1987, No. 28, p. 88, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 973 - Rights of victims and witnesses of crimes—Purpose

In harmony with the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico of providing protection and assistance to victims and witnesses during judicial proceedings and investigations carried out pursuant to §§ 972—972j of this title, the Bill of Rights of Victims and Witnesses of Crimes is hereby adopted.
History —Apr. 22, 1988, No. 22, p. 88, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 973a-1 - Bill of rights of minors, minors with disabilities and/or impairments

In addition to the rights listed in § 973a of this title, every victim or witness to a crime or offense under eighteen (18) years of age and every person who has a disability or mental retardation, shall have the following rights:
(a) Shall not be exposed to experiences that could cause serious consequences to his/her mental and emotional health.
(b) Offer, when the circumstances justify it, their testimony through available altemate means, whether in open court, through a closed circuit television system or by a deposition recorded on video tape, or any reliable recording system.
(c) Shall be accompanied in court by support personnel that may be a relative or person close to him/her, counselor or technical personnel of the program, or a competent professional, while giving testimony.
(d) In the course of the procedures, the court shall see to the welfare of the minor, giving priority in its calendar, to the procedures in which they are the victims or witnesses of crimes or offenses and shall avoid long hours of testimony without recess.
History —Apr. 22, 1988, No. 22, added as § 2A on July 29, 1998, No. 184, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 973a-2 - Victims and witnesses assistance technicians

In order to implement the public policy established in §§ 973—973c of this title, the Victims and Witnesses Assistance Division is hereby created, attached to the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Criminal, Minors and Family Affairs; and attached to the Special Investigations Bureau of the Department of Justice, the Victims and Witnesses Protection and Assistance Division. The Victims and Witnesses Assistance Program shall also render its services through the Victims and Witnesses Assistance Technicians and other support personnel, appointed by the Secretary of Justice, who shall have the duty to provide guidance and support services to the victims or witnesses of a crime in accordance to their needs and the available financial resources. In the case of minors who are victims or witnesses to a crime, this personnel shall act as support personnel and shall accompany them through all the phases of the judicial process and procedures incidental to the same in order to provide them emotional support and to ensure their welfare.
History —Apr. 22, 1988, No. 22, added as § 2B on July 29, 1998, No. 184, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 973b - Victims and witnesses assistance technicians—Action to claim

Any person entitled to any of the rights recognized by §§ 973—973c of this title may himself, or through his guardian or a public official or private person interested in his well-being, resort to the Department of Justice or to any other administrative forum or part of the Court of First Instance of the judicial district in which he resides, to claim any right or benefit corresponding to him, or to request the suspension of any action that is in violation of the Bill of Rights of Victims and Witnesses.
The Department of Justice or the competent administrative forum to which the person resorts shall receive and investigate these complaints and shall handle the pertinent judicial actions.
In the event that a complaint charges a public official or a private person with a violation of the rights recognized by §§ 973—973c of this title, the Department shall resort to the competent forums and authorities so that the corresponding administrative measures and actions are taken.
The complaints filed for any violation of the rights recognized by §§ 973—973c of this title against judges or attorneys shall be heard before the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico.
For the purposes of this section, the term “public official” shall include the members of the Puerto Rico Police and the agents of the Bureau of Special Investigations, the agents of law and order, the prosecuting attorneys appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico or designated by the Secretary of Justice, the Prosecutors for Minors Affairs and any other public official or employee.
The courts shall give priority to the actions filed by virtue of §§ 973—973c of this title and shall be empowered to appoint a legal counsel or defense counsel for the victim or witness of a crime or their family if they do not have the financial resources therefor. The court shall be empowered to render any order or judgment under the law that is needed to carry out the provisions of §§ 973—973c of this title. Failure to comply with the orders and judgments rendered by the court pursuant to this section shall constitute civil contempt.
History —Apr. 22, 1988, No. 22, p. 88, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94C - Victims and Witnesses Protection (§§ 972 — 973c) › § 973c - Victims and witnesses assistance technicians—Actions reserved

The exercise of the action authorized by §§ 973—973c of this title is separate from any other civil or criminal action, right or remedy that is provided by the laws in effect, and none of the provisions of §§ 973—973c of this title shall limit or impede the exercise of such actions, rights or remedies.
History —Apr. 22, 1988, No. 22, p. 88, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981a - Crime Victims Compensation Office

“The Crime Victims and Witnesses Compensation and Services Office is hereby created, attached to the Department of Justice, for the purpose of authorizing and granting the payment of compensation to victims eligible to receive the benefits granted by this chapter. Moreover, the Office shall provide support, services, and assistance to victims and witnesses to help them deal with the trauma related to the crime in which they were involuntarily involved. This shall include, among others, the following: crisis intervention services; guidance, and counseling services and familiarization with the criminal justice system; guidance on the Bill of Rights of Victims and coordination and referrals for services of various government agencies. Said Office shall operate under the general supervision of the Secretary, but its immediate direction shall be the responsibility of a Director appointed by the former, and who shall fix his/her salary. In order to carry out the functions associated with his/her position, such as crime victims and witnesses” compensation and services, the Director shall have two Assistant Directors. All employees and resources of the Victims and Witnesses Assistance Division of the Department of Justice are hereby transferred to the Crime Victims and Witnesses Compensation and Services Office.”
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 4; Aug. 5, 2012, No. 157, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981b - Duties and powers of the Director

The Director of the Office shall have the following duties and powers:
(a) Administer the Crime Victims and Witnesses Compensation and Services Office.
(b) Evaluate and adjudicate the limits of the compensation to be paid to eligible victims and the procedure for the payment of claims, subject to the provisions of this chapter and taking into consideration the fiscal resources of the Fund he/she administers.
(c) Advise the Secretary on the investment of the resources of the Fund created by virtue of this chapter.
(d) Render, through the Secretary, no later than the first day of September of each year, an annual report to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature that contains besides other information, a financial balance sheet, a statement of income and disbursements for the year, detailed statements on the experience of claims filed under this chapter for the year, a report on the investments deeds owned by the Office and other statistical and financial data that are deemed necessary for an adequate interpretation of the financial position of the Office and of the results of its operations, as well as of the granting of the benefits conferred by this chapter.
(e) Make known to the population the scope of the benefits provided and the eligibility conditions established in this chapter, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, conducting awareness and educational campaigns, both in written press and on radio and television, handing out brochures and promotional material, among others.
(f) Conduct the investigations needed to comply with the provisions of this chapter and serve summons for the appearance of witnesses and the presentation of books, records and other documents, take oaths and hear testimonies, data or information.
(g) Order physical or mental examinations of the victims.
(h) Contract with companies and collectors or use the resources of the agency to collect outstanding fines.
(i) Promulgate all those regulations that are necessary to implement this chapter, pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”.
(j) Perform all those acts that are necessary and convenient to achieve the purposes of this chapter entrusted to him/her by the Secretary.
[(k)] Added by Reorganization Plan No. 5 of 2011. See editor’s note.
[(l)] Added by Reorganization Plan No. 5 of 2011. See editor’s note.
(m) May accept donations from public or private institutions and persons or individuals.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 5; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 195, § 2; Jan. 5, 2006, No. 3, § 2; Aug. 5, 2012, No. 157, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981c - Personnel

The Office shall constitute an Individual Administrator pursuant to, the provisions of Act No. 5 of Oct. 14, 1975, as amended, known as the “Public Service Personnel Act”. The Secretary shall be the nominating authority pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. He/She shall appoint the technical, office and stenographic personnel or any other, fix the remuneration of said personnel according to the regulations adopted to such effects and shall authorize the expenses which are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981d - Qualifying crimes

The Office may grant compensation for damages suffered from the commission of one or more of the following crimes or the attempt thereof:
(a) Murder.
(b) Manslaughter.
(c) Negligent homicide.
(d) Sexual assault.
(e) Kidnapping.
(f) Aggravated kidnapping.
(g) Child abduction.
(h) Domestic violence.
(i) Child abuse.
(j) Aggravated assault in the third degree.
(k) Lewd acts.
(l) Aggravated robbery when physical injury is inflicted to the victim.
(m) Aggravated arson.
(n) Unlawful taking if the victim is 65 years or older.
The provisions of this section shall apply to juvenile proceedings where offenses with similar conditions to those listed in this section are present. Likewise, the Office may also award compensation for damages suffered from the commission of any federal crimes or the attempts thereof, within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which are the equivalent of the crimes listed in this section.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 7; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 195, § 3; Aug. 21, 2003, No. 196, § 1; Jan. 5, 2006, No. 3, § 3; Sept. 15, 2012, No. 249, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981e - Impediments to compensation

The Office shall be precluded from granting compensation when one or more of the following circumstances are present:
(a) When the crime is committed while the victim is confined in a penal institution or has not served the total penalty imposed.
(b) When the victim was engaged in criminal conduct at the time of the events. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the victim dies while engaged in such criminal conduct, his/her dependants or relatives who are minors shall be entitled to claim the psychological expenses they have incurred as a result of the crime, and the loss of support benefit provided under this chapter in the event of the death of the victim. In cases when the victim is an illegal alien and has requested protection under the Violence Against Women Act due to domestic violence or sexual assault, her dependants or relatives who are minors shall receive the compensation benefits provided by this chapter. Likewise, compensation may be offered to a victim who is an illegal alien who cooperates with authorities and is eligible to apply for a U-Visa.
(c) When the events that are the basis for the claim occurred prior to July 1, 1998.
(d) When the claimant has received compensation for the same crime from a crime victims compensation program.
(e) When the benefit to be granted to the victim turns out to be in favor, wholly or partially, of the person who directly committed the crime.
(f) When the victim attempts to obtain the benefits of this chapter through fraud, or through the use of false information, documents or representation.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 8; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 195, § 4; Jan. 5, 2006, No. 3, § 4; June 8, 2010, No. 58, § 2; Aug. 5, 2012, No. 157, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981f - Eligibility requirements

In order to be entitled to the benefits granted by this chapter, the victim shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Report to law enforcement officers the commission of the criminal conduct which has caused the injury. This report shall be made within ninety-six (96) hours following the criminal act, unless there is a just cause for the delay.
(b) Cooperate with the corresponding authorities in the phases of solving and prosecuting the persons responsible for the commission of the crime. The continuous availability of the victim to cooperate with law enforcement officers shall be verified through the reports filed by these officers as requested by the Office. In cases of sexual assault, the fact that the victim goes to a hospital and undergoes a medical forensic examination shall be deemed as sufficient cooperation. The filing of a complaint against the aggressor by the victim of sexual assault or the victim’s subsequent cooperation shall not be required as a condition to pay the hospital for the medical forensic examination. If the victim chooses to request the services offered by the Office for the payment of medical or psychological expenses, loss of wages, and legal and transportation expenses, the victim shall file an application with the office, in his/her own behalf, and meet the requirements prescribed by law for such cases. The hospital shall be required to advise the victim or his/her relatives on their right to receive compensation benefits for the aforementioned services and shall provide the application for benefits to the victim or his/her relatives to be voluntarily filled out by them.
(c) Claim the benefits offered by the Office within a one (1) year term following the date of the commission of the crime, unless there is just cause. However, in the case of a victim or claimant who is a minor and his/her father, mother or legal guardian does not claim the benefits on his/her behalf, said term shall begin to run when such victim or claimant reaches legal age.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 9; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 195, § 5; Jan. 5, 2006, No. 3, § 5; June 8, 2010, No. 58, § 3; Aug. 5, 2012, No. 157, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981g - Application for compensation

(a) Every claimant shall submit in writing the corresponding application before the Office on the form prepared to such effects. When the claimant is a minor or a disabled person, he/she shall appear represented by his/her parents, custodian or guardian.
(b) The claimant shall have the obligation to enclose with the application all the medical reports available regarding the injury for which compensation is requested and any other information required by regulations. In the case of an emergency in which the physical injury of the victims is obvious, the Director may be flexible in the application of this requirement to the claimant, at his/her discretion, or as provided by regulations. However, after the emergency has been managed, the crime victim shall comply with the above stated requirements.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 10; Jan. 5, 2006, No. 3, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981i - Deductions

A deduction shall be made from the compensation granted, for any other benefit or indemnification that the victim or his/her dependents have received or are in the process of receiving for compensable damages under the provisions of this chapter. The benefits or indemnification proceeding from the following sources are included, among others:
(a) The accused.
(b) The Government of the United States of America or any other subsidiary federal agency, the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, its dependencies and instrumentalities and political subdivisions.
(c) Social Security Programs including, among others, “Medicare” and “Medicaid” plans.
(d) Insurance of a private nature to compensate economic losses caused by the commission of crimes.
(e) Employer’s insurance.
(f) Nonoccupational disability insurance.
(g) Benefits granted under §§ 2051 et seq. of Title 9, known as the “Automobile Accident Social Protection Act”.
(h) Insurance or contracts that provide prepaid hospital and health services expenses or that provide disability benefits.
(i) Any other donation or contribution obtained by the victim that compensates the same damages covered by this chapter.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981j - Subrogation

When compensation has been paid for damages or death pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the Fund, represented by the Secretary, shall be entitled to compensation by the person responsible for the injury or death, in a sum equal to that disbursed as compensation, in addition to the expenses incurred for costs. In the cases in which the victim or dependent files a suit against the person responsible for the injury or death, and an indemnification is granted, the court shall order the payment to be made separately in favor of the Fund and the claimants for the amount corresponding to each.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981k - Procedure for the adjudication of claims—Reconsideration and judicial revision

The Director shall investigate and resolve all the claims by using the procedure adopted to such effects through regulations, which shall ensure the rights of the parties.
Any claimant who is not satisfied with the decision of the Director may request a reconsideration pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3.
Likewise, any party adversely affected by the decision of the Secretary may request a revision pursuant to the provisions of said regulations.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 14; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 195, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981m - Penalties

Every person who violates the provisions of this chapter or of the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, shall incur a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be sanctioned with a penalty consisting of a fine of five hundred dollars (500).
Every person who furnishes false information to the Office shall incur a felony and shall be subject to the penalty of imprisonment for the term of one (1) year, or a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 22.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94D - Crime Victims Compensation Office (§§ 981 — 981n) › § 981n - Administrative expenses

The Secretary may use a maximum of five percent (5%) of the total amount of the Fund for the operating expenses of said Office.
History —July 29, 1998, No. 183, § 24; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 195, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94E - Enabling Act for the Implementation of the SILVER Alert Plan (§§ 982 — 982e) › § 982 - Establishment

The Puerto Rico Police shall establish a “SILVER Plan”, whose purpose shall be to alert the public to a missing person, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any kin[d] of dementia by a physician authorized to practice medicine in Puerto Rico. With the collaboration of the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Department of Health, the Puerto Rico Police shall be the primary entity responsible for operating the Plan and for determining whether or not to activate the alert. Furthermore, any other Commonwealth, federal or municipal public entity, private company, as well as the media, shall voluntarily participate and join this collaborative effort.
History —Oct. 26, 2009, No. 132, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94E - Enabling Act for the Implementation of the SILVER Alert Plan (§§ 982 — 982e) › § 982a - Notice

The Puerto Rico Police shall notify the communications media and the broadcast media of Puerto Rico of the activation of the “SILVER Plan” and shall invite them to voluntarily participate in the same.
History —Oct. 26, 2009, No. 132, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94E - Enabling Act for the Implementation of the SILVER Alert Plan (§§ 982 — 982e) › § 982b - Criteria

The following criteria shall concur, prior to the activation of the “SILVER Alert”:
(1) The person must have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other kind of dementia;
(2) the citizen reporting a missing person to the Police must prove that the missing person suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia through a letter certified by the physician or by furnishing evidence of prescription drugs to treat such condition;
(3) and that, due to the aforementioned conditions, the missing person lacks the faculty to consent, and that there is an imminent danger of bodily harm or death;
(4) that the Puerto Rico Police has determined that the person meets the aforementioned criteria and is indeed missing, and
(5) the person who makes the report must provide the following information: name, age, diagnosis, physical description of the missing person, the clothes he/she was wearing on the date he/she was last seen, and any other information that may be useful to identify and locate the missing person.
History —Oct. 26, 2009, No. 132, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94E - Enabling Act for the Implementation of the SILVER Alert Plan (§§ 982 — 982e) › § 982c - Emergency alert

As soon as the Puerto Rico Police forwards the information, the media and the participating entities shall voluntarily agree to broadcast an emergency alert to the public in relation to cases of persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who is missing.
After a distinctive sound tone, the alert must read: “This is a SILVER Missing Person Alert.” Alerts shall be broadcasted as soon and as often as possible, following the guidelines of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The Department of Transportation and Public Works shall place electronic signs in the public thoroughfares primarily destined for the issuing of these alerts.
The alerts shall include information on the description of the person, and the address of the place he/she was last seen. After the alert is broadcast, it shall be the duty of the Puerto Rico Police to update and provide the information available to the communications media, communications entities, and participating entities.
The alerts shall also provide specific information as to how the public may contact the authorities to offer information related to solving the case.
The alert may conclude at any time as requested by the Puerto Rico Police, regardless of whether the case has been solved.
History —Oct. 26, 2009, No. 132, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94E - Enabling Act for the Implementation of the SILVER Alert Plan (§§ 982 — 982e) › § 982d - Coordinating Committee

The Puerto Rico Police shall designate the SILVER Plan Coordinating Committee, which shall issue norms, rules or regulations as necessary to fully comply with this chapter.
History —Oct. 26, 2009, No. 132, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94E - Enabling Act for the Implementation of the SILVER Alert Plan (§§ 982 — 982e) › § 982e - Disclosure of norms and regulations

The Secretary of the Department of Health is hereby designated to disclose the norms, rules or regulations established by the Puerto Rico Police on the execution of the SILVER Plan. These agencies shall disclose the information through informational brochures, conferences, public service announcements on radio and television stations that voluntarily choose to participate, as well as through nonprofit and community-based organizations that provide support to persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other kind of dementia.
History —Oct. 26, 2009, No. 132, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94F - Security Management, Prevention, and Advisory Council (§§ 983 — 983f) › § 983 - Creation

The “Security Management, Prevention and Advisory Council”, hereinafter COMPAS, is hereby created.
History —Jan. 11, 2012, No. 14, § 2, eff. 30 days after Jan. 11, 2012.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94F - Security Management, Prevention, and Advisory Council (§§ 983 — 983f) › § 983a - Composition

COMPAS shall be constituted by the President of the Mayor’s Federation, the President of the Mayor’s Association and the Chief Executives of the following government agencies related to security and protection in Puerto Rico:
(1) Puerto Rico Police.
(2) Department of Justice.
(3) Department of Corrections.
(4) Any other agency that the Governor may deem necessary and appropriate to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
Each agency shall be responsible for the implementation of the improvement projects needed for the maintenance and development of the public policy on crime eradication in Puerto Rico, as well as for the establishment of security and protection mechanisms.
History —Jan. 11, 2012, No. 14, § 3, eff. 30 days after Jan. 11, 2012.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94F - Security Management, Prevention, and Advisory Council (§§ 983 — 983f) › § 983b - Objectives

COMPAS shall have the following main objectives:
(1) Identify and outline comprehensive strategies in order to provide greater protection and security to the citizenry.
(2) Interagency coordination of anticrime projects with the participating municipalities, in order for the same to be more effective.
(3) Achieve the establishment of joint work plans in order to maximize resources and prevent the duplication of functions or that adversely affect the objectives, goals and strategies of another government entity.
(4) Strengthen citizen participation strategies to provide training tools to attain crime prevention goals, as well as establish security and protection mechanisms.
History —Jan. 11, 2012, No. 14, § 4, eff. 30 days after Jan. 11, 2012.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94F - Security Management, Prevention, and Advisory Council (§§ 983 — 983f) › § 983c - Responsibilities of Governor

COMPAS shall be chaired by the Governor of Puerto Rico, whose duties and responsibilities shall include: to preside over COMPAS meetings. Said meetings shall be held at least once every three (3) months, at the place designated by the latter.
(1) To follow-up on the implementation of outlined measures and strategies to fight crime and increase security in Puerto Rico.
(2) To establish regulations to govern the operations of COMPAS and the Municipal Security Councils.
History —Jan. 11, 2012, No. 14, § 5, eff. 30 days after Jan. 11, 2012.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94F - Security Management, Prevention, and Advisory Council (§§ 983 — 983f) › § 983d - Contributions by government agencies

Government agencies that are part of COMPAS are hereby authorized to contribute physical, financial, and human resources, in accordance with their capacities, to defray COMPAS operations and make them feasible.
History —Jan. 11, 2012, No. 14, § 6, eff. 30 days after Jan. 11, 2012.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94F - Security Management, Prevention, and Advisory Council (§§ 983 — 983f) › § 983e - Municipal Security Council

The municipalities shall be empowered to establish Municipal Security Councils in accordance with their capacities, physical, financial, and human resources available to them and which shall be composed of one (1) representative of the Police Region of the Puerto Rico Police corresponding to the municipality, one (1) representative of the Municipal Police, one (1) representative of civic and community organizations, and the mayor, who shall preside over the Municipal Security Council. The mayor shall be empowered to integrate to the Council any other entity and organization that is deemed necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
History —Jan. 11, 2012, No. 14, § 7, eff. 30 days after Jan. 11, 2012.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VII - Prevention and Control of Crime (§§ 901-912 — 983f) › Chapter 94F - Security Management, Prevention, and Advisory Council (§§ 983 — 983f) › § 983f - Comprehensive strategies

Participating municipalities shall be empowered to establish and outline comprehensive strategies in order to provide protection and security to the citizenry. In accordance with this, said municipalities shall file with COMPAS a report including their suggestions, recommendations, and effectiveness, as may be required and needed by COMPAS.
History —Jan. 11, 2012, No. 14, § 8, eff. 30 days after Jan. 11, 2012.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 96 - Special Police Fund (§§ 1041 — 1045) › § 1041 - Creation

A Special Fund is hereby created in the Department of the Treasury for the Puerto Rico Police which shall be administered by the Superintendent, pursuant to the rules and regulations adopted by him in harmony with the provisions in force for the administration of similar funds, with the prior approval of said regulations by the Secretary of the Treasury, being required.
This Special Fund shall be used by the Puerto Rico Police in its mission to prevent and fight crime. Said fund shall be nourished from any money donated, transferred, contributed or conveyed to the Puerto Rico Police by any natural or juridical person, foundations, entities or agencies of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the federal government, and by the municipal governments to comply with this mission. In addition, the product of the sale or disposal of the assets donated, transferred, conveyed or contributed to the Police shall be covered into the Special Fund when there is no conflict whatsoever with the conditions imposed by the donor, conveyor or the person or entity that made the transfer or contribution to the Police.
History —Dec. 7, 1989, No. 16, p. 574, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 96 - Special Police Fund (§§ 1041 — 1045) › § 1042 - Accepting contributions

The Superintendent of Police is hereby authorized to accept, receive and dispose of any donation of funds and assets, contributions, transfers and conveyances made to the Police for the purposes consigned in this chapter. The provisions of §§ 1101 et seq. of Title 3 shall not apply in the acceptance of donations by the Police, by virtue of the provisions of this chapter.
History —Dec. 7, 1989, No. 16, p. 574, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 96 - Special Police Fund (§§ 1041 — 1045) › § 1043 - Powers and duties of the Superintendent

The Superintendent of Police shall also have the faculty to hire the personnel that is indispensable to carry out his/her duties, create positions, posts and fix salaries, with the authority to follow the same recruitment system, classification and compensation of the Puerto Rico Police personnel or that which is reasonably and best suited for the purposes of implementing this chapter.
Subject to the applicable conditions and restrictions, the Superintendent may carry out the following duties:
(a) Directly receive and accept any kind of assets from private or public sources by donation, conveyance, transfer or contribution, or any other legitimate means, for use by the Puerto Rico Police. Those assets may include real estate and chattel, services of any kind, funds or securities.
(b) Use and dispose of the donated assets for the purposes consigned in this chapter.
(c) To pay necessary or incidental expenses to protect, maintain and dispose of the assets that by this means are donated, conveyed, or transferred, chargeable to the Special Fund and for the purposes consigned in this chapter.
(d) Purchase assets or property that is needed and useful to carry out the regular duties that may lead to the prevention and prosecution of any criminal action, chargeable to the Special Fund and whenever needed to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
(e) Pay rewards to those persons that provide information or aid to the Police that leads to the clarification and prosecution of any criminal action, chargeable to the Special Fund and whenever needed to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
(f) Acquire the insurance policies that are needed, chargeable to the Special Fund, when assets whose protection require some kind of insurance are received or acquired, and directly recover any loss as a result of evidence of said policy and cover the sums thus recovered into the Special Fund created by this chapter; Provided, That it shall proceed whenever needed in order to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
(g) Pay any other incidental or necessary expenses to carry out the purposes of this chapter, chargeable to the Special Fund.
(h) Adopt regulations that shall govern the acceptance, receiving and disposal of the assets donated, conveyed, transferred and contributed to the Police for the purposes contemplated in this chapter. These regulations shall adopt the general principles contained in §§ 1101 et seq. of Title 3, provided they are not incompatible with the provisions of this chapter, in order to achieve the purposes consigned in § 1041 of this title.
History —Dec. 7, 1989, No. 16, p. 574, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 96 - Special Police Fund (§§ 1041 — 1045) › § 1044 - Limitations

The Superintendent shall not use the resources of this Special Fund in substitution of the appropriations from the General Fund of the Commonwealth, when there is a restriction or condition in that sense. Neither shall the money of the Special Fund be used for any purpose or in any way that will constitute a violation of the conditions established by the donor, conveyor or person who has made the transfer or contribution to the Police.
The resources covered into this Special Fund shall be accounted for in the books of the Secretary of the Treasury, apart from any other funds from other sources received by the Puerto Rico Police, without a specific fiscal year, so that its identification and use can be expedited.
History —Dec. 7, 1989, No. 16, p. 574, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 96 - Special Police Fund (§§ 1041 — 1045) › § 1045 - Annual report

The Superintendent of the Police shall submit an annual report no later than September 1, to the Governor and the Legislature, which shall include a detailed listing of the funds covered into and drawn upon, as well as the use given to them during the immediately preceding fiscal year. The report shall also include a listing of the assets donated, conveyed, transferred and contributed and the way they were used and disposed of.
History —Dec. 7, 1989, No. 16, p. 574, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 97 - Control of Introduction of Narcotics, Firearms, Etc (§§ 1051 — 1054) › § 1051 - Authorization to inspect

The Police of Puerto Rico is hereby empowered and authorized to inspect the luggage, packages, bundles, and bags of passengers and crew who land in the airports and piers of Puerto Rico arriving from the United States; to examine cargo brought into the country, and to detain, question, and search those persons whom the Police have ground to suspect of illegally carrying firearms, explosives, narcotics, depressants or stimulants or similar substances.
History —Aug. 6, 1975, No. 22, p. 658, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 97 - Control of Introduction of Narcotics, Firearms, Etc (§§ 1051 — 1054) › § 1052 - Advertisement of provisions

Advertisement of the provisions of this chapter shall be placed in a visible place on piers and airports by the Police of Puerto Rico for all landing passengers.
History —Aug. 6, 1975, No. 22, p. 658, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 97 - Control of Introduction of Narcotics, Firearms, Etc (§§ 1051 — 1054) › § 1053 - Personnel; credentials; uniform

Personnel assigned to implement this chapter shall wear a uniform as determined by the Superintendent of Police, and shall be provided with credentials to be shown to the persons concerned before searching them. The search shall be [conducted] in a respectful way, and as brief as possible.
Manual search of persons shall be carried out by individuals of the same sex as the person involved, and in appropriate places guaranteeing the greatest privacy.
History —Aug. 6, 1975, No. 22, p. 658, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART VIII - Police of Puerto Rico (§§ 1001-1029 — 1973) › Chapter 97 - Control of Introduction of Narcotics, Firearms, Etc (§§ 1051 — 1054) › § 1054 - Cooperation with other agencies

The Superintendent of Police may request the cooperation and collaboration of any Commonwealth or federal agency or department whenever necessary and pertinent for the purposes of this chapter.
History —Aug. 6, 1975, No. 22, p. 658, § 4.