reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3123 - Civil actions against members of the Force

When a member of the Force is sued in any proceeding of civil nature arising as a result of the performance of his/her duties, or of any incident which occurs while he/she is acting in his/her official capacity and within the range of his/her duties, the Superintendent shall assign the services of an attorney to assist him/her during the proceedings. This provision shall not apply when a criminal prosecution is instituted followed by disciplinary action against the member of the Force.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 24, eff. July 1, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3124 - Interference with appointments of police officers

(a) No person shall perform any act which prevents the unbiased appointment of police personnel, nor the application of §§ 3101 et seq. of this title or the rules adopted with regard thereto. Neither shall that person make or accept any false statement, certification or report with regard to any examination, certification or appointment made under the provisions of §§ 3101 et seq. of this title or of the regulations adopted thereunder. No person shall impersonate another, or in any manner permit or help another person to fraudulently impersonate him/her with regard to any or oral or written examination required for enlistment or promotion in the Puerto Rico Police.
(b) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall incur a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be punished with a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or with a term of imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or with both penalties, at the discretion of the court. Furthermore, said person shall be deemed ineligible for appointment to any position and for rendering services of any other kind in the departments, agencies, instrumentalities, public corporations and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for a term of five (5) years from the date on which the judgment is final.
If such a person is an employee or official, or renders services of any kind in any of the aforesaid dependencies, he/she shall be discharged as soon as the judgment is final.
(c) The undue intervention of any person [outside of] the Police Force who lacks the supervisory or appointing authority or power in the Police and who, by taking advantage of partisan politics or undue influence pretends, for reasons [contrary] to the best interests of the Police Force, to obtain enlistment, reenlistment, promotion, transfer, discharge, demotion or to perform any action for the benefit or [to the] detriment of any member of the Police, shall incur a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be punished [by] a term of imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months or [by] a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or both penalties, at the discretion of the court. To make recommendations or suggestions regarding matters of humanitarian, social, equitable or administrative nature shall not be construed to be undue intervention.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 25, eff. July 1, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3125 - Organization of other police corps prohibited

No municipality, department, agency or instrumentality may organize or commission any police corps whatsoever, except in those cases authorized by the Autonomous Municipalities Act, §§ 4001 et seq. of Title 21.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 26, eff. July 1, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3126 - Undercover agents; special rules

The provisions of §§ 3101 et seq. of this title notwithstanding, those members of the Force who are assigned to perform as undercover agents shall be treated in the following manner while performing as such:
(a) They shall receive time-and-a-half (1 1 / 2) salaries within the maximum salary schedule assigned to their rank while performing as undercover agents. In the case of a cadet who is performing as an undercover agent, the salary to be assigned shall be determined on the basis of the rank as agent.
(b) The Superintendent shall take all the necessary administrative measures to guarantee the safety and the secret identity of the undercover agent. Their salaries shall be disbursed by the Police as cash payments. The Superintendent shall also make monthly cash disbursements to the undercover agents for the amount of money needed to cover the employer’s contribution towards a private individual or family health insurance plan, at the request of the undercover agent. Salary contributions towards the payment of income taxes or any benefits or obligations such as, for example, the State Insurance Fund, retirement plans, loans or fees, shall be withheld and deposited in a special account in custody of the Superintendent. Once the undercover agent has been relieved from such duties, the Superintendent shall remit the corresponding amount of money to every creditor agency, institution or organization. Provided, that notwithstanding the back payments that may arise due to the security measures already mentioned in this subsection, undercover agents shall be fully protected by all the benefits for which their contributions were withheld and which were deposited in the special account in custody of the Superintendent.
(c) Upon being released from his/her duties as an undercover agent, the member of the Police shall be reinstated to the corresponding rank and salary schedule before being designated as an undercover agent.
(d) Undercover agents shall only be used to carry out investigations of a strictly criminal nature. The participation or intervention of undercover agents and of any other members of the Police in investigations or activities other than those of strictly criminal nature is hereby totally prohibited.
(e) Under no circumstance shall a person under eighteen (18) years of age be recruited by the Puerto Rican Police to perform work as an undercover agent.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 27; Jan. 1, 2003, No. 6, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3127 - Special agents

The Governor may [augment] the Police Force by authorizing the enlistment of special agents for the time he/she may deem necessary. This enlistment shall be effected by the Superintendent according to the provisions contained in the regulations for such a purpose. During the time for which said special agents are called into service, they shall earn the same compensation and receive the same emoluments as the Police Officers regularly enlisted and likewise shall have their same powers and duties.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 28, eff. July 1, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3128 - Contracting of police services

The Superintendent may enter into contracts with the municipalities, departments, instrumentalities and public corporations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for security services to be rendered in addition to those already provided by the Force, as well as with private security enterprises. Contracting for these services with private enterprises, such as owners and concessionaires of artistic, cultural or amusement shows shall only be performed when they do not affect the regular services provided by the police. Services which involved labor management disputes or bodyguard services cannot be contracted.
The funds needed [to] defray the expenses for services to be rendered pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be bonded or paid in full and in advance when the agreement covering the aforesaid is signed. The Superintendent shall establish, through regulations, the procedure and rates to be paid for the contracting of security services.
The funds received on this account by the Puerto Rico Police shall be entered into the books of the Secretary of the Treasury apart from any other funds obtained by said agency from other sources so that they may be easily identifiable as to their use by the Puerto Rico Police.
These funds shall be accounted regardless of any specific fiscal year and shall be governed by the rules and regulations adopted by the Superintendent in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and in harmony with the provisions in effect for the administration of similar funds. Expenses of these funds must be closely related to the application of this section. Said funds may be transferred to the corresponding items of the operating budget of the Police in any fiscal year. Likewise, expenses may be transferred according to the budgetary needs for said year, and only if they are closely related to the operations subject to this section. Provided, That, notwithstanding the provisions of this section, for Fiscal Year 2015-2016, the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in account number 0400000-253-081-1998, or in any other created for the same purposes in the Department of the Treasury’s accounting system shall be transferred from this Fund to the “2015-2016 Legal Liability Fund”.
Those enterprises that sponsor nonprofit shows and shows produced especially for children shall be exempted from paying for the use of police officers.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 29; Jan. 8, 1998, No. 14, § 1; July 2, 2015, No. 105, § 25.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3129 - Protection [of] Governor, Superintendent, officials, former officials

(a) The Puerto Rico Police shall be responsible for providing security and protection to the Governor of Puerto Rico and his/her family.
(b) It shall also be responsible for providing security and protection to the Superintendent and his/her family during his/her term of office. Once the term of office of the latter has concluded, said service shall continue for four (4) additional years and may be extended upon the prior request to and approval of the incoming Superintendent.
The nature of the protection services provided for the former Superintendent shall be similar to that provided while he/she was holding office as Superintendent.
(c) Those officials or former officials for whom the Police provides escort, security and protection services shall only be entitled to said services within the jurisdiction and territory of Puerto Rico, with the exception of the Governor of Puerto Rico. In those exceptional or meritorious cases for which escort, security and protection services are requested to be provided outside the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico, said services shall be provided with the prior approval of the Superintendent and the Governor. Should the request for police escort come from an official, the expenses incurred for per diems, overtime, transportation and lodging shall be paid by the agency or dependency represented by the official requesting the service.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 30, eff. July 1, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3130 - Reservists

The Superintendent may contract any veteran of the Police who has been pensioned due to mandated retirement because of age or years of service, under the pension or retirement system created by virtue of the laws of Puerto Rico, to work in the Police Force as a reservist after the Superintendent has verified that his/her physical and mental condition will allow him/her to perform his/her duties subject to the regulations established by the former and without impairing the pension which said pensioner receives according to the provisions of law.
The Superintendent, at his/her discretion, shall [set] the hourly schedule and the compensation of the reservists, which shall not exceed a fulltime schedule of eight (8) hours nor the maximum salary corresponding to a fulltime employee performing the same duties.
Reservists contracted by virtue of the provisions of this section shall also receive the pension to which they are entitled under §§ 761 et seq. of Title 3, or under any other pension or retirement system created by virtue of laws of Puerto Rico. To such effects, contracted reservists are exempted from complying with §§ 792 and 826 of Title 3. The contract of said reservists shall not impair any vested benefit or right enjoyed as a police pensioner.
The time those persons contracted pursuant to this section have worked as reservists shall not be computed for the purposes of their retirement, nor shall any withholding whatsoever be made on that account.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 31, eff. July 1, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131 - Police auxiliaries

For the purposes of §§ 1 et seq. of Title 11, known as the “Compensation System for Work-Related Accidents Act”, members of the Security Councils and private persons who act as auxiliary police shall be included within the concept of state officials while performing their duties as such, and the Superintendent may establish the badges to be worn by said state officials. In case of work-related accidents or illness and for the purposes of per diems and compensation payments as such, the corresponding weekly compensation shall be estimated according to the minimum salary established by law. The Superintendent shall pay an annual premium for these purposes to the State Insurance Fund and shall negotiate the terms for the protective coverage for those volunteers who, as required by the Superintendent or his/her duly authorized delegate, render services at any location assigned to them. The cost of said premium shall be consigned annually in the operating budget of the agency.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 32; Dec. 29, 2000, No. 460, § 1; Sept. 8, 2004, No. 262, § 1; Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131a - Police auxiliaries—Enlistment requirements and exclusions

Any citizen who wishes to become an auxiliary police officer must comply with the following requirements:
(a) Submit all regulatory documents required for the position.
(b) Be between the ages of 19 and 65 years, subject to the Superintendent’s discretion to establish exceptions that he/she considers as contributing toward the best operations of the Auxiliary Police. The citizen may participate in any applicable state or federal program.
(c) Fulfill any other ratified regulatory requirement.
A citizen may not become a member of the Auxiliary Police for the following reasons:
(a) If not an American citizen.
(b) If not a resident of Puerto Rico.
(c) If already a municipal, correctional, state or federal officer, or otherwise a member of any law enforcement entity.
(d) If a member of the honorary corps.
(e) Due to any other ratified regulatory requirement.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 33 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131b - Police auxiliaries—Duties and responsibilities

Auxiliary police officers have responsibilities that are similar to those of a police officer, therefore, it is determined that, among their duties, they may:
(a) Participate in police crime prevention operations or any other police activity when authorized by the Puerto Rico Police Superintendent or the designated officer, as well as by the communities of the area.
(b) Participate in national emergencies to render services entrusted to them by the Puerto Rico Police Superintendent or the designated officer.
(c) Carry out crime prevention patrols and surveillance with prior authorization from the Superintendent and/or the Area Commanders.
(d) Perform general office work and assist the Police with administrative assignments.
(e) Participate in the search and rescue operations of persons reported missing or in need of emergency assistance.
(f) Render traffic control services.
(g) Render crime prevention surveillance services in schools, parks, malls and urban train stations, among other locations.
(h) Render support services at the offices of auxiliary superintendents, area command centers, districts, precincts, police detachments and mini police stations in all matters related to the operational and administrative phases.
(i) Work pursuant to §§ 4001 et seq. of Title 21, known as the “Autonomous Municipalities Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico of 1991”.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 34 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131c - Police auxiliaries—Executive Board; creation

The Auxiliary Police Executive Board shall be composed of seven (7) members to be appointed for (4) four years by the Police Superintendent, is hereby created. It shall be composed of one (1) President, one (1) Vice president, who shall be at least an Auxiliary Colonel, four (4) Auxiliary Commanders and one (1) Secretary, whose rank shall be at least an Auxiliary Commander.
Responsibilities of the members.— The Board members shall not be personally liable for the duties of the Auxiliary Police. The Puerto Rico Police, by itself or by contract, shall defend the members of the Board and indemnify and hold harmless all Board members, whether or not they are members of the board at the time of the claim against any personal liability, action, cause of action and any and all claims made against such members for any action taken by them in good faith in the performance of their duties and within their scope of work as members of the Board, pursuant to the provisions in this chapter and any other applicable laws, except in cases of proven and clear gross negligence or illegal acts.
Chairperson of the Board.— The Board shall elect a chairperson, who shall be the principal director of the operations of the Board and the Auxiliary Police. The Chairperson shall be in charge of the execution of the powers and faculties delegated to him/her by the Superintendent and the Executive Board, and shall represent them in all acts as necessary.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 35 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131d - Police auxiliaries—Ranks

The Executive Board shall submit the recommendations for the granting of Auxiliary Officer appointments to the Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police. Said officers shall serve for four (4) years. Auxiliary Police officers shall hold the following ranks:
(a) Auxiliary Police Officer
(b) Auxiliary Sergeant
(c) Auxiliary Second Lieutenant
(d) Auxiliary First Lieutenant
(e) Auxiliary Captain
(f) Auxiliary Inspector
(g) Auxiliary Commander
(h) Auxiliary Lieutenant Colonel
(i) Auxiliary Colonel
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 36 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131e - Police auxiliaries—Training Program

Once the candidate is appointed by the Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police, she/he shall undergo an initial twelve (12) weeks of training on the duties and functions of Auxiliary Police, according to the program approved by the Superintendent at the University College of Criminal Justice of Puerto Rico.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 37 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131f - Police auxiliaries—Use of personal or assigned weapon

The following rules on the use of weapons shall be observed:
(a) The Puerto Rico Police Superintendent may authorize auxiliary police officers who hold a license to possess and carry firearms in effect to use their weapon in the performance of their duties. Auxiliary police officers shall submit a copy of a certificate of having approved training in the proper use and safe handling of firearms, as provided in subsection (e) of § 456a of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Weapons Law”.
(b) The Puerto Rico Police may [with discretion] assign a weapon to auxiliary police officers who have been trained in the proper use and safe handling of firearms as established in the subsection (a) of this section. Furthermore, auxiliary police officers who carry their own firearm, as well as those who are assigned a firearm by the Agency shall comply with § 456d of this title.
(c) All auxiliary police officers who are assigned a firearm due to their responsibilities shall receive an annual training in the proper use and safe handling of firearms. They shall submit a certificate of the training received to the Superintendent through the Director of the Auxiliary Police. If no certificate is submitted, the Superintendent shall divest the auxiliary police officer of the assigned firearm.
(d) Auxiliary police officers who have been trained in the proper use and safe handling of firearms and have complied with the provisions of law are hereby authorized to use their firearms in the performance of their duties. The Superintendent shall issue a special Auxiliary Police Officer license to those citizens who comply with the Auxiliary Police Officer enlistment requirements and do not have a firearms license. Likewise, they may acquire ammunition for practice purposes in gun clubs, armories and target practice organizations, subject to the regulations thereof in effect [at] the Puerto Rico Police.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 38 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131g - Police auxiliaries—Uniforms and identification

Regular and dress uniforms for auxiliary police officers shall be the same as the uniforms used in accordance with the regulations of the Puerto Rico Police. The pins and uniform accessories shall be the same. The identification shall be the same as the one used by the Puerto Rico Police and shall bear the name, rank and PA.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 39 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131h - Police auxiliaries—Privileges and additional benefits

Auxiliary police officers shall have the following privileges and additional benefits:
(a) Auxiliary police officers that hold a previous license or authorization to carry firearms granted pursuant to the applicable laws shall be subject to be authorized, discretionally, by the Superintendent to carry said firearms in the performance of their official duties under the terms and conditions he/she establishes.
(b) In the cases contemplated in subsection (a) of this section, to obtain the discretional authorization of the Superintendent to practice in the Puerto Rico Police firing ranges, under the terms and conditions that he/she establishes.
(c) If he/she enrolled as a regular member of the Puerto Rico Police, to be acknowledged and accredited in the manner determined by the Superintendent for hours worked as auxiliary police officers and any courses or trainings approved.
(d) To be honored posthumously and have their legal beneficiaries compensated in the manner determined by the Superintendent, in the event that they die in the line of duty as auxiliary police officers.
(e) To be considered for the granting of any other benefit that the Superintendent decides to grant [with discretion], according to the needs of the service and the available resources, under the same terms and conditions he/she establishes.
(f) Auxiliary police officers shall be included in the term of “law enforcement officers” while performing their duties as such and shall enjoy all the protection and benefits provided by law, including the benefits established in §§ 1 et seq. of Title 11, known as the “Compensation System for Work-Related Accidents Act”.
(g) They may participate in any state or federal program that may apply.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 40 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3131i - Police auxiliaries—General provisions

The following general provisions shall apply to Auxiliary Police officers:
(a) Auxiliary Police officers shall have all the benefits that may be applicable, pursuant to Act No. 460 of 2000. If an Auxiliary Police officer reports an accident or illness to the State Insurance Fund that is not related to the performance of his/her duties, the officer must personally assume the medical expenses and other expenses related thereto.
(b) The Office of Security and Protection shall investigate all Auxiliary Police officer candidates that are referred thereto by the Executive Board.
(c) The use of special equipment and licenses of the Puerto Rico Police by any auxiliary police officer shall be subject to the regulations of the Police and shall require the authorization of the Auxiliary Superintendent of the Auxiliary Police.
(d) Auxiliary police officers shall abstain from performing their duties or any intervention in matters that constitute a conflict of interest with the profession or trade they practice privately, including private security agents.
(e) Any citizen who ceases to be a member of the Auxiliary Police shall return the uniform within five (5) days. Failure to comply with what is herein established shall result in the commission of illegal withholding and use of public property.
(f) Elected officers or candidates to an elective office shall not be admitted into the Auxiliary Police; if they were former members of the Auxiliary Police, their office shall remain suspended for the duration of their term as elected officers or candidates to an elective office.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, added as § 41 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3132 - Community Security Councils —Creation

Community security councils, in the service of citizens, are hereby created. They shall be formed by neighbors of the community to which they shall render voluntary services. The Superintendent shall determine, through bylaws, the badges to be used, the enrollment requirements, their duties, responsibilities, and conduct.
The Superintendent, in turn, shall have the duty to enforce the following concerning Community Security Councils;
(a) Establish mechanisms to promote and divulge the Community Security Councils, with the purpose of informing citizens in general about the procedures to follow for the formation of a Community Security Council in the community, and also to inform citizens about the achievements of the program.
(b) Create, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, tax incentives for any enterprise or business that economically sponsors one or more Community Security Councils.
(c) In any community where a Community Security Council is established, such community must have visible signs informing that a Community Security Council is active in that specific community.
(d) Each Puerto Rico Police Area Headquarters must have an office to promote and to coordinate the pertinent work for the Community Security Councils in its area. This office shall publish material for the general public every six months on the formation, achievements, and objectives of the Community Security Councils in its area.
(e) Promote collaboration between the state police and the community of the corresponding jurisdiction to promote greater understanding and involvement in the duties performed.
(f) Create permanent bonds with organized groups and the general population to identify the problems and social phenomena that affect them relating to this chapter.
(g) Organize neighborhood involvement to prevent violations.
(h) Submit an annual report at the end of each fiscal year to the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico, on a relation of Community Security Councils per Municipality. Likewise, the report must contain the achievements of the past fiscal year, as well as the goals and objectives for the next fiscal year.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 33; Jan. 1, 2003, No. 11, § 1; renumbered as § 42 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3; Sept. 13, 2012, No. 241, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3133 - Police Band

(a) The organization of a band which shall be known as the “Puerto Rico Police Band” is hereby provided, whose organization and composition, as well as the rules for its government and administration, shall be determined in the Police Regulations. The members of the band shall be engaged in regular police work at least fifty percent (50%) of their working time.
(b) Operating expenses shall be consigned annually in the operating budget of the police.
(c) The Police Superintendent is hereby authorized to charge a minimum fee equal to the necessary expenses incurred by the Police Band, when participating in activities other than those of an official protocolary nature.
The Superintendent shall regulate the procedure to be followed and the fee to be paid for using the services of the Police Band.
The moneys collected by the Puerto Rico Police for said account shall be covered into the General Fund of the Commonwealth Treasury, separate from any funds from other sources received by said agency, to be used by the Puerto Rico Police Band in pursuit of its activities and rehearsals and to acquire musical instruments.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 34; Aug. 7, 1998, No. 198, § 1; renumbered as § 43 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3134 - Police Chaplain Corps—Creation

The Superintendent is hereby authorized to organize a Chaplain Corps subject to the following:
(a) All religious beliefs may be represented in the Chaplain Corps.
(b) Chaplains shall wear the vestments of their respective religions or the uniform and/or garments specified by the Superintendent.
(c) A strict separation shall be maintained between the church and the state.
(d) The duties of the chaplains and their relationship with the Police shall be established by the Superintendent through a General Order.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 35, renumbered as § 44 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3135 - Medals for valor

Medals shall be awarded yearly to members of the Police Force and private citizens who have distinguished themselves for acts of valor during the preceding year. The highest award shall consist of gold medals. The others shall be of silver and shall be deemed of equal merit. Persons to be awarded shall be selected by a Commission consisting of the Superintendent or his/her representative, the Director of the Puerto Rico Central Personnel Administration Office, and the Adjutant General of the National Guard. Said Commission shall be presided by the Director of the Puerto Rico Central Personnel Administration Office. After examining the records and performance of the candidates submitted, the Commission shall adjudicate the medals. These shall be awarded on the 21st day of February of each year, which is the date celebrated as Police Day.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 36, renumbered as § 45 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3136 - Vested rights

The provisions of §§ 3101 et seq. of this title shall not affect the vested ranks or salary schedules of by [sic] the members of the Police Force.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 37, renumbered as § 46 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3138 - Budgetary effect

Any effect on the budget resulting from the implementation of the provisions of §§ 3101 et seq. of this title shall be consigned in the operating budget for fiscal year 1996—97.
History —June 10, 1996, No. 53, § 39, renumbered as § 48 on Sept. 23, 2004, No. 468, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3139 - University requirements; application

It is hereby provided that in regard to all those members of the Force who have joined the latter after January 1, 1982, the university educational requirements established in §§ 3103 et seq. of this title shall not apply to those members of the Force who were listed in the register of eligibility for promotion to the rank of Captain by December 31, 1999. The Superintendent of Police is expressly authorized to promote to the rank of Captain those qualified members of the Force who appear in the register of eligibility by December 31, 1999, pursuant to the available openings.
History —Aug. 21, 2000, No. 182, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3140 - Training course on protocol on dealing with sexual assault victims

(a) It is hereby provided that as part of the training received by the candidates enrolled in the Police Academy a training course on the protocol to be followed when dealing with sexual assault victims shall be included as a mandatory requirement.
(b) The Chancellor of the Puerto Rico Criminal Justice College shall adopt the necessary regulations to establish, among other things, all the rules and norms for the effective attainment of the purposes of this section.
(c) The Chancellor of the Puerto Rico Criminal Justice College, in coordination with the Rape Victims Support Center, attached to the Department of Health, shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(d) The Chancellor of the Puerto Rico Criminal Justice College is hereby granted a term of sixty (60) days as of the effective date of this act to draft and adopt the corresponding regulations.
History —Dec. 17, 2009, No. 184, §§ 1—4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3141 - Continuing education

(a) It is hereby required that all members of the Puerto Rico Police comply with the minimum requirement of twelve (12) hours each year of continuing education which shall include the following topics: ethics, management and control of force, personal defense skills that prevent or minimize injuries to the intervened persons, duties of police work, regulation and standards of the use of force, police corruption and misconduct, applicable penal laws, human rights, civil rights, and other topics, in order to improve the performance of the Puerto Rico Police.
(b) It is hereby established as public policy that the Criminal Justice University College shall become a police training campus and that a continuing education curriculum shall be developed for all members of the Force.
(c) The Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police shall adopt the regulations needed for the faithful compliance of this act in a term of sixty (60) days as of its approval. Within his/her powers, the Superintendent may increase the number of continuing education credit hours required to members of the Police Corps.
History —July 29, 2010, No. 103, §§ 1—3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331 - Puerto Rico Police of 1996 (§§ 3101 — 3142) › § 3142 - Mediation workshops

(a) It is hereby provided that a mediation workshop shall be included among the courses and training received by candidates who enroll in the University College of Criminal Justice to become members of the police, to be offered to one agent per shift, so that future police officers may have the necessary skills to orient people in applicable circumstances.
(b) The Chancellor of the University College of Criminal Justice shall adopt regulations to establish, among other things, the rules and norms for the effective implementation of this section. Such regulations shall be adopted in accordance with §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedure Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”, and be filed immediately after its approval.
(c) The Police Superintendent, in coordination with the University College of Criminal Justice, shall devise a plan to allow active officers of the Puerto Rico Police Department to receive mediation retraining and education. It is hereby provided that all members of the Police Force shall be retrained within one and a half year after the approval of this act.
History —Mar. 16, 2011, No. 34, §§ 1–3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331A - Police Veterans Division (§§ 3301 — 3305) › § 3301 - Organization and administration

The Police Superintendent is hereby empowered to organize and administer within the Police of Puerto Rico a Police Veterans Division
History —June 30, 1959, No. 93, p. 268, § 1, eff. 90 days after June 30, 1959.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331A - Police Veterans Division (§§ 3301 — 3305) › § 3302 - Objectives

The division shall operate to attend to and handle the affairs and problems of the Police veterans and to link such veterans to the Police Force in active service, as auxilliaries and otherwise, to a convenient and reasonable extent.
History —June 30, 1959, No. 93, p. 268, § 2, eff. 90 days after June 30, 1959.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331A - Police Veterans Division (§§ 3301 — 3305) › § 3303 - Regulation

The Police Superintendent shall establish by regulation the organization and norms for the operation of said division. In relation to the utilization of Police veterans who voluntarily may wish to serve as auxilliaries of the Police of Puerto Rico, these norms may establish the use of special badges, the giving of weapons and the granting of the license to carry them.
History —June 30, 1959, No. 93, p. 268, § 3, eff. 90 days after June 30, 1959.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331A - Police Veterans Division (§§ 3301 — 3305) › § 3304 - Appropriation

The appropriation of necessary funds for the operation of this division shall hereafter be made in the General Budget Act; meanwhile the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) is hereby appropriated from any available funds, which sum the Secretary of the Treasury shall place at the disposal of the Police Superintendent.
History —June 30, 1959, No. 93, p. 268, § 4, eff. 90 days after June 30, 1959.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331A - Police Veterans Division (§§ 3301 — 3305) › § 3305 - Meaning of veteran

For the purposes of this chapter, a Police veteran shall only be that personnel who has been honorably retired or discharged after having served for a minimum term of five (5) years in the Police of Puerto Rico. Members of the Police who become physically or mentally disabled as a result of an accident or health condition directly directed to the performance of their official duties and who have been retired honorably, are hereby exempt from the requirement of fulfilling the minimum five (5) years of service.
History —June 30, 1959, No. 93, p. 268, § 5; June 13, 1998, No. 84, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331B - Criminal Justice College (§§ 3351 — 3356) › § 3351 - Objectives

It is the mission of the College to meet the following objectives:
(a) To impart technical, scientific and humanistic education to the professionals who shall intervene in areas of public safety, in both government and private entourages.
(b) To offer degrees in police sciences, criminal justice and other related areas, through a curriculum that reflects the latest, most advanced techniques.
(c) To provide students with knowledge and skills, in both general and specialized areas, so as to enable them to function within a broader range of services in the fight against crime and protection of public safety.
(d) To impart to students an integral view of the components of the justice system in Puerto Rico.
(e) To make students aware of the fact that the crime rate in Puerto Rico is an issue that affects all sectors of society and that it calls for humane, realistic and scientific efforts, as well as prompt and effective solutions.
(f) To instill in students the highest moral, disciplinary, and professional values, which are indispensable for the effective fulfillment of the duties of a law enforcement officer.
(g) To maintain a continuing education program on criminal justice and public safety.
(h) To develop and offer other programs and university degrees concerning the field of public safety.
History —July 17, 1999, No. 155, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 3 - Security Generally (§§ 3101 — 3356) › PART I - Protection and Surveillance (§§ 3101 — 3356) › Chapter 331B - Criminal Justice College (§§ 3351 — 3356) › § 3353 - Board of Directors—Creation

The College shall have a Board of Directors, hereinafter “the Board,” to be constituted as follows:
(a) The Board shall be constituted by nine (9) members, of which eight (8) shall be appointed by the Governor. They shall be of legal age, residents of Puerto Rico, and shall have a bachelor’s degree as minimum educational level required. At least one of the members shall be a criminal justice expert. The Police Superintendent, in his/her functions as President of the College, shall be an ex officio member of the Board.
(b) Board members shall be initially appointed as follows: three (3) for a term of three (3) years; three (3) for a term of two (2) years; and two (2) for a term of four (4) years. Upon expiration of these initial terms, the Governor shall appoint future Board members for a term of four (4) years, until their successors are appointed and take office. Should a vacancy be created, a substitute shall be appointed to exercise his/her functions for the non-elapsed term of the original appointment.
(c) Board members shall receive a per diem equal to the minimum per diem set for members of the Legislature for each meeting they attend or day in which they render services or fulfill any of the official functions of their respective office or entrusted upon them by the Chair of the Board. This shall include attendance to committee sessions or meetings, per special meeting or meeting held by a committee or other entity, and the fulfillment of a task authorized by the Chair of the Board to which they belong.
History —July 17, 1999, No. 155, § 4; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 321, § 2.