reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter I - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency Act (§§ 172 — 172s) › § 172r - Violations and penalties

Any person who commits any of the following acts shall be punished by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months or by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties at the discretion of the court:
(a) Violating any provision of this subchapter or any regulation drafted or order issued thereunder.
(b) Raising a false alarm with respect to the imminent occurrence of a catastrophe in Puerto Rico, or spreading rumors or raising a false alarm regarding nonexisting abnormalities under a state of emergency or disaster.
(c) Failing to observe civilian population evacuation orders issued by the Commonwealth Agency as part of the enforcement of its plan in cases of emergency or disaster. It is hereby provided that minors or disabled persons may be removed against the will of their parents, guardians, custodians or tutors during a state of emergency and once the Governor has declared such a state of emergency. For the purposes of this subchapter, a “disabled person” is an individual with a mental disability that seriously impairs his capacity to act on his own.
(d) Hindering the evacuation, search, reconstruction or assessment and investigation of damages conducted by federal, Commonwealth or municipal agencies, endangering his life or the lives of other persons, or persisting in carrying out any activity, including those of a recreational nature that endanger his life or the lives of other persons, after having been alerted by the authorities once a hurricane watch has been issued by the pertinent authorities or while a state of emergency declared by the Governor of Puerto Rico through an Executive Order is in effect.
(e) The monies collected on account of the fines imposed by virtue of this chapter or the regulations adopted thereunder shall be covered into the Special Fund under the responsibility of the Director of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency. The money covered into the Special Fund may be used to defray in part the operating, fiscal, and administrative expenses of the Agency, in addition to the annual budget appropriations that the entity shall continue to receive.
The court may impose community service as an alternate penalty.
History —Aug. 2, 1999, No. 211, § 20; May 8, 2008, No. 53, § 1; Sept. 29, 2012, No. 289, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter I - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency Act (§§ 172 — 172s) › § 172s - Financing of expenses of the Commonwealth Agency

The regular expenses for the operation of the Commonwealth Agency shall be consigned annually in the General Expenses Budget of the Government of Puerto Rico.
The special expenses incurred by the Commonwealth Agency during any state of emergency or disaster shall be reimbursed to the latter from the Emergency Fund created by §§ 457—465 of Title 3.
History —Aug. 2, 1999, No. 211, § 22, eff. 60 days after Aug. 2, 1999.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter II - Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps (§§ 173 — 173f) › § 173 - Creation

(a) The Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps is hereby created in order to provide the people of Puerto Rico with volunteer services consisting of spiritual guidance and counselling during any emergency and crisis in an organized manner and coordinated by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency (AEMEAD, Spanish acronym).
(b) The Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps shall be attached to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
History —Aug. 15, 2012, No. 168, §§ 2, 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter II - Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps (§§ 173 — 173f) › § 173a - Public policy

The Advisory Council and the Director of the Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps shall be in charge of supervising, determining, and establishing public policy directed towards providing Chaplain services in emergency situations, natural disasters, incidents, or catastrophic events, pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
History —Aug. 15, 2012, No. 168, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter II - Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps (§§ 173 — 173f) › § 173b - Advisory Council

The Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps shall be directed by an Advisory Council. Said Council shall be chosen by the Executive Director of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency and shall be composed of representatives from the following religious entities:
(a) One representative of the Catholic Church;
(b) one representative of the Pentecostal Fraternity;
(c) one representative of the Episcopal Church;
(d) one representative of the Puerto Rico Council of Churches;
(e) one representative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church;
(f) one representative of the Jewish Community of Puerto Rico;
(g) one representative of the Islamic Community of Puerto Rico;
(h) one representative of the Independent Church, and
(i) one representative of any other religious entity registered in the Department of State who wishes to participate in the Volunteer Chaplain Corps of the Government of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 15, 2012, No. 168, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter II - Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps (§§ 173 — 173f) › § 173c - Advisory Council—Responsibilities

The Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps Advisory Council shall have the following duties:
(a) To prepare a short- and long-term work plan and periodically evaluate same.
(b) To establish a public policy together with the director and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency in order to create the work rules and procedures for the development of the Program.
(c) To supervise the structure of the Volunteer Chaplain Corps.
(d) To design the work plan evaluation method together with the Director and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
(e) To authorize and evaluate every activity to be conducted in coordination with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
(f) In collaboration with the Director, shall be responsible for coordinating chaplain resources that shall offer spiritual guidance and support in emergency situations, incidents, and events.
(g) In collaboration with the Director, shall be responsible for the coordination of all components in the development of policies, plans, and strategies to transport chaplains to the areas affected or in need of said service.
(h) Create a databank in coordination with the private sector, organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies that supply first-aid products and services, such as: shelter, clothing, and food, among others.
History —Aug. 15, 2012, No. 168, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter II - Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps (§§ 173 — 173f) › § 173d - Director

The Director of the Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps shall be appointed by the Executive Director of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency. Said Director shall be selected from among one of the representatives of faith-based organizations, as provided in § 173b of this title. The Director shall have the following duties:
(a) Establish the public policy, rules, and work procedures for the development of the Program in coordination with the Advisory Council and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
(b) Design a work plan evaluation method for the Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps in coordination with the Advisory Council and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
(c) Coordinate resources for chaplains who shall offer spiritual and emotional support in emergency situations, incidents, or events in collaboration with the Advisory Council.
(d) Advice the Executive Director of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency in procedures and ethical aspects, where they are carried out.
(e) Advice local agency heads, including public corporations, federal agencies, non-government organizations, faith-based and community organizations, and the general public, regarding the duties of the Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps.
(f) Coordinate, in conjunction with the Advisory Council, all components for the development of policies, plans, and strategies in order to transport chaplains to affected areas or in need of the same.
History —Aug. 15, 2012, No. 168, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter II - Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps (§§ 173 — 173f) › § 173e - Chaplain requirements

Chaplain candidates shall comply with the following requirements under this subchapter:
(a) A theological education or education from a duly accredited institution.
(b) Ordination as a minister, priest, or rabbi duly certified by their respective faith group, which must be incorporated in the Department of State, or in default thereof, properly completed theological education or coursework in chaplaincy.
(c) A criminal record certificate issued by the Puerto Rico Police Department.
(d) A health certificate
(e) Availability and accessibility to respond to any type of incident or event management.
(f) Sensitivity towards the emotional and spiritual needs of the person in a crisis, emergency, accident, or disaster situation.
(g) Disposition to take continuing education courses and training in critical incident stress management, counseling, and emergency management, in addition to any other subject related to chaplaincy services.
History —Aug. 15, 2012, No. 168, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9B - Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (§§ 172 — 173f) › Subchapter II - Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps (§§ 173 — 173f) › § 173f - Duties of chaplains

Those chaplains that shall take part in the work performed by the Government of Puerto Rico Volunteer Chaplain Corps shall have the following duties:
(a) Provide spiritual and emotional guidance and counseling to persons suffering from physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and others during any emergency, incident, or event.
(b) Intervene before, during, and after traumatic events in order to provide spiritual consolation and guidance.
(c) Work in an affected area as part of an interdisciplinary team together with the response team of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
(d) Maintain a respectful, trusting, and confidential attitude with respect to any information provided by the participant. Confidentiality shall be governed within the framework of the local, state, and federal laws.
History —Aug. 15, 2012, No. 168, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9C - Expedited Payment of Overtime for Public Safety Personnel (§§ 175 — 179) › § 175 - Advance payment

The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to make provisional advances from any available funds in the Commonwealth Treasury of the Government of Puerto Rico to the Puerto Rico Police, to the Commonwealth Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency, the Fire Fighters Corps, the Corrections Administration, the Juvenile Institutions Administration, and the Office of Pretrial Services, hereinafter “the agencies”, in order to defray the payment of overtime worked by the personnel that comprise the public safety bodies of these agencies.
History —June 10, 2000, No. 98, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9C - Expedited Payment of Overtime for Public Safety Personnel (§§ 175 — 179) › § 176 - Disbursements report

The agencies that receive the advances shall render a report about the disbursements made. If there is any surplus from the advanced funds, the agencies shall be bound to reimburse the amount to the general fund. At the close of fiscal year, the Secretary of the Treasury shall determine the balance of the provisional advances paid to every agency and shall report it to the Office of Management and Budget prior to the following August 31, and shall consign the funds needed for the payment of the advances made, in the General Budget of the Commonwealth for the next fiscal year.
History —June 10, 2000, No. 98, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9C - Expedited Payment of Overtime for Public Safety Personnel (§§ 175 — 179) › § 177 - Excess resources

If the agencies have less public safety personnel on the payroll than those authorized, they shall first exhaust the excess resources of this item, before requesting an advance of funds for the payment of the overtime worked.
History —June 10, 2000, No. 98, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9C - Expedited Payment of Overtime for Public Safety Personnel (§§ 175 — 179) › § 178 - Credit line

The public safety agencies are hereby authorized to use the credit line of the current fiscal year for the payment of overtime of previous fiscal years.
History —June 10, 2000, No. 98, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9C - Expedited Payment of Overtime for Public Safety Personnel (§§ 175 — 179) › § 179 - Funds

The agencies are hereby authorized to match the appropriated funds with individual, Commonwealth, or municipal contributions.
History —June 10, 2000, No. 98, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9D - Landslides (§§ 180 — 180d) › § 180 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings stated below:
(a) Commonwealth agency.— Shall mean the Commonwealth Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Agency.
(b) Department.— Shall mean the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
(c) Landslides.— Shall mean slow or sudden massive displacements of land, rocks, or other materials through slopes such as hillsides, ravines, and riverbeds. These may be the result of natural causes, the consequence of human activity, or due to the collapsing of because of the caving in of sewers or the result of high percolation in karst land.
(d) Protocol.— Shall mean the Puerto Rico Landslides Risk Mitigation Protocol.
(e) Mayagüez Campus or RUM (Spanish acronym).— Shall mean the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico.
History —Mar. 18, 2008, No. 24, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9D - Landslides (§§ 180 — 180d) › § 180a - Duties and powers

The Commonwealth Emergency Management Administration Agency, in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Quality Board, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Planning Board and the Mayagüez Campus shall develop and implement a Landslides Risk Mitigation Protocol.
The Commonwealth Agency shall be responsible for the first instance follow-up of the work initiated with respect to the landslides risk mitigation plans. For such purposes, it shall be empowered to adopt rules and regulations to oversee compliance with the purpose of this chapter.
It shall also render a report to the Legislature on the creation and implementation of the Protocol not later than six (6) months as of the approval of this act.
History —Mar. 18, 2008, No. 24, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9D - Landslides (§§ 180 — 180d) › § 180b - Protocol

The Protocol shall include, but shall not be limited to:
(a) The study of the vulnerability, magnitude, and recurrence of landslides in Puerto Rico.
(b) The study of the different causes of landslides, including factors such as climatology, topography, geological conditions, urban development, cutting of the natural contour of hillsides, and deforestation.
(c) Identification of geographical zones that are prone to landslides.
(d) Publication of zones identified as prone to landslides.
(e) Develop landslide risk mitigation measures and coordinate the implementation thereof.
(f) Establish the procedure and determine the agencies involved in the management of landslide situations.
(g) Create and promote a citizens’ landslides education program.
(h) Establish a landslides alert system.
(i) Establish a landslides data bank in Puerto Rico.
History —Mar. 18, 2008, No. 24, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9D - Landslides (§§ 180 — 180d) › § 180c - Authorization

The Director of the Commonwealth Emergency Management Administration Agency is hereby authorized to accept, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, all those contributions of federal funds and monies originating from citizens and private enterprises that in his/her judgment are necessary to advance the purposes of this chapter.
History —Mar. 18, 2008, No. 24, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART I - Military Protection and Civil Defense (§§ 1 — 180d) › Chapter 9D - Landslides (§§ 180 — 180d) › § 180d - Annual reports

The Director of the Commonwealth Agency shall submit a report that includes a list of the activities held in compliance with this chapter to the Governor of Puerto Rico and the Legislature within the first ninety (90) days of each calendar year.
History —Mar. 18, 2008, No. 24, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285 - Title

This chapter may be cited as the “Act to Regulate the Private Detective and Security Guard Profession in Puerto Rico”.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 1; June 24, 1968, No. 126, § 1; Aug. 26, 2014, No. 141, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285a - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise construed in the text:
(a) Private detective.— Any person who for private purposes or for the exclusive benefit of private persons is hired to:
(1) Conduct investigations or inquiries with the purpose of obtaining information on public offenses, damages caused or attempted; the habits, credibility, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, transactions, reputation or character of any person; the location or recovery of stolen or lost property through the corresponding legal procedures; the causes and origin of and responsibility for fires or accidents or damages to real or personal property; the occurrence of any event; the truth or falsehood of any statement or representation.
(2) Procure or obtain evidence to be used before investigative or arbitration committees or boards, or before the courts in civil or criminal actions.
(b) Security guard.— Protect persons or real or personal property; or prevent the theft or misappropriation or embezzlement of money, bonds, stock, or any kind of securities or documents.
(c) Agency.— Includes “private detectives agency” and “safety agency for the protection of persons or real or personal property”.
(d) Private detective agency.— Shall mean and include any person engaged in the private detective business and employing one or more persons for such purposes.
(e) Safety agency for the protection of persons or real or personal property.— Shall mean and include any person especially engaged in the rendering of custodial services or in the protection of persons or real or personal property and employing one or more persons for such purposes.
(f) School.— Shall mean any person or entity engaged in the teaching and training of private detectives.
(g) Superintendent.— Shall mean the Superintendent of Police of Puerto Rico.
(h) Person.— Shall mean any natural or [juridical] person.
(i) Chief executive officer.— Means the directors of the agencies who manage corporate affairs, establish policy, and control regular affairs, oversee and confer authority to the officials thereof.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 2; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 2; Aug. 26, 2014, No. 141, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285b - License required

On and after the effectiveness of this act it shall be illegal to engage in the private detective business without first having obtained a license to that effect, issued by the Superintendent in accordance with the terms of this chapter.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 3, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285d - Application for license

Any person desiring to obtain a license as private detective shall request same from the Superintendent. Said application shall be in writing and in the printed forms supplied to that effect by the Superintendent. Each application shall be accompanied by sufficient demonstrative proof that the applicant meets all the requirements fixed in § 285c of this title and shall be signed and sworn to by the applicant.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 5, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285e - Written examination

Every applicant for a private detective license, in accordance with clauses (1) and (2) of subsection (a) under the definition of “private detective” of § 285a of this title, shall be submitted to a written examination prepared by the Superintendent, covering such matters reasonably related with said occupation as may be determined by the Superintendent.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 6; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285g - Identification card

The Superintendent shall supply to every person to whom he grants a private detective license an identification card which shall be renewed each year at the time the license is renewable and shall be carried by the private detective whenever acting as such. Said identification card shall not be valid without the signature of the Superintendent.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 8, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285h - Licenses for private detective agencies and safety agencies for the protection of persons or real or personal property

The Superintendent shall grant, upon payment of the fees required by this chapter, licenses for the operation of private detectives agencies or safety agencies for the protection of persons or real or personal property in the following cases:
(a) When requested by one or more private detectives with licenses granted by the Superintendent in accordance with clauses (1) and (2) of subsection (a) under the definition of “private detective” in § 285a of this title.
(b) When requested by an organized corporation, in accordance with its charter, for the purpose of operating an agency provided its senior executive officer is a private detective with a license granted by the Superintendent in accordance with clauses (1) and (2) of subsection (a) under the definition of “private detective” in § 285a of this title.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 9; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285i - Application for license to operate an agency

The application to obtain a license to operate an agency shall be addressed to the Superintendent in writing, on the printed form supplied by him, signed and sworn to by the applicant or applicants, and shall be accompanied by sufficient demonstrative proof that all the requirements in § 285h of this title are met, and that the payment bond has been given in behalf of the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources as required in § 285f of this title.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 10; May 29, 1986, No. 30, p. 72, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285j - Agency employees

Any licensed agency may employ the persons necessary to operate the agency. Any person so employed need not be licensed as private detective, but his employment in the agency does not entitle him to act as a private detective unless he obtains a license as such.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 11, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285k - Fees

To be issued a private detective license under the provisions of subsection (a) of § 285c of this title, a twenty-five (25)-dollar fee shall be paid; to be issued a security guard license under subsection (b) of § 285c of this title, a ten (10)-dollar fee shall be paid; and to be issued a license for a private detective agency and for a safety agency for the protection of persons or real or personal property a fifty (50)-dollar fee shall be paid in each case. Licenses shall expire one (1) year after the date of issue and may be renewed upon payment of the same fees. The fees herein prescribed shall be paid by means of internal revenue stamps that shall be cancelled on the license.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 12; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 7; Aug. 26, 2014, No. 141, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285l - Notice of address

Every private detective and every agency shall notify his or its exact address and any change thereof, as soon as it occurs, to the Superintendent, and shall keep the license in a conspicuous place in his or its offices. Every agency shall report in writing to the Superintendent, not later than fifteen (15) days after the issuance of its licenses, the names of each one of the employees and private detectives that worked for the agency on said date. It shall be the duty of every agency to notify the suspensions and hiring of private detectives every three (3) months, on and after the date in which the original list was submitted.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 13; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285m - Carrying weapons

None of the provisions of this chapter shall be construed as authorizing private detectives or employees of agencies to carry forbidden weapons.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 14, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285n - Functions and powers of the Superintendent

(1) He shall prepare the examinations to be taken by all candidates for private detective.
(2) He may at any time investigate the identity of any person who pretends or advertises or holds himself out to be a private detective and, if he finds that this chapter has been violated he shall file the corresponding complaint.
(3) He shall be empowered to issue, renew or deny private detective or agency licenses, and to revoke licenses already issued. The Superintendent shall not deny an application for a license or revoke a license already issued without first serving on the interested party notice of a hearing where said party shall have the opportunity of appearing to present evidence, examine witnesses and assert his rights. In every case the Superintendent shall notify in writing the grounds for his action or finding.
When the Superintendent denies or revokes a license, the aggrieved party may, within the ten days next following the date of notice of said determination file a petition for review before the San Juan Part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico. The review shall be through a trial de novo, and the Superintendent shall remand to the Court of First Instance the original record of the case within the fifteen days next following the date of the filing of the petition for review.
(4) He shall investigate the reputation and conduct of the persons applying for private detective licenses or for agency or private detective schools. These investigations shall have a confidential character and shall in no way be disclosed.
(5) He shall keep an up-to-date registry of the record of every private detective and every agency operating in Puerto Rico, showing a complete identification of each private detective and agency and the fingerprints of each private detective and each employee of said agencies, and said registry shall be available for examination by interested persons.
(6) He shall discharge any other functions necessary for the administration of this chapter.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 15; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285o - Regulating power

The Superintendent shall, with the approval of the Governor, promulgate such rules and regulations as he may deem convenient to make more feasible the implementation of this chapter, subject, insofar as applicable, to the provisions of Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 16, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285p - Causes for revocation or refusal to renew licenses

Any of the following causes shall be ground for revoking or refusing to renew a license:
(a) Fraud or deceit in obtaining a license.
(b) Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
(c) That a private detective licensee or any member or employee of an agency is convicted of any of the offenses mentioned in subsection (a)(3) of § 285c of this title.
(d) That the Superintendent finds, upon investigation to that effect, that a private detective licensee or any member or employee of an agency has made use of information obtained in the course of his activities as such without the express consent of the person for whom the information was obtained, either by supplying same to persons other than those who commissioned him to obtain it, or by making it known, privately or publicly, by any means of communication.
(e) If the bond furnished is declared null or insufficient by the Commissioner of Insurance, unless it is restored within the thirty (30) days next following notice of such fact on the interested party by the Superintendent.
(f) That there be evidence that an agency has been operating in violation of the labor protective statute administered by the Department of Labor and Human Resources. To such purposes, the duty is hereby imposed on the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources of notifying the Superintendent in writing of any violation by the agency of such laws that is found.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 17; May 29, 1986, No. 30, p. 72, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285q - Divulging of information prohibited

No person who is or has been a private detective or an employee of a private detective or agency shall disclose privately or publicly the information obtained by him in the course of his work without the express written consent of the person who contracted for the services of said person or agency, excepting all information connected with the commission of public offenses and the cases where he is required by law to do so.
Every private detective and every agency that as employer has among its personnel any officer, employee or director who violates the provisions of this section shall furnish, without any liability whatsoever, to the Superintendent of Police, or to any officer or subordinate employee designated by him, all the facts and circumstances in connection with the transaction or act presumed to be in violation of this section, and the Superintendent shall conduct, by himself or through his authorized representative, whatever inquiries or investigations might be necessary, if such facts and circumstances so demand, and shall submit all the evidence resulting therefrom to the Secretary of Justice for the pertinent action.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 18, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285r - Use of dogs prohibited

The private detectives and agencies covered by this chapter shall not use trained dogs in the rendering of the services defined in § 285a of this title.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 19, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285s - Rendering of services prohibited

The private detectives and agencies covered by this chapter shall not render the services defined in § 285a of this title in cases involving conflicts among laborers or labor-management disputes, or where a petition for election has been filed. Neither shall they render said services to an employer with whom a labor union has negotiated a collective agreement for the rendering of equal services, or when, upon expiration of a collective agreement, the parties are negotiating a new agreement.
The testimony of private detectives shall not be admitted in court on matters about which they have obtained information as a result of services rendered in violation of the prohibition established in this section; neither the oral testimony of any person who has learned of the facts on which he is testifying while acting as agent, attorney or collaborator or by instruction of private detectives; nor any documentary or objective evidence likewise obtained.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 20, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285t - Nonresident private detectives

Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the Superintendent may authorize any person not residing in Puerto Rico who accredits to be a private detective authorized in any state, territory or possession of the United States, temporarily to engage in the occupation of private detective in Puerto Rico for the sole purpose of discharging a specific mission. Such authorization shall be fee free.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 21, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285u - Private detective schools—License

(a) No person shall operate a detective school unless authorized through a license to such effect issued by the Superintendent. This authorization shall be granted upon payment of fifty dollars ($50) annually.
(b) Every person operating such a school shall be of age, of sufficient moral solvency to engage in said teaching, and shall have the adequate teaching equipment and academic training for the teaching of subjects related with the profession or occupation or business of private detective, and shall meet such other qualifications as the Superintendent may by regulation require. Instructors in said school shall also meet the above requirements and shall possess ability and experience in said teaching.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 22, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285v - Private detective schools—Operation

All the instruction shall be carried out under the supervision of the Superintendent, who shall determine and promulgate through regulation in accordance with the procedure established in Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957, the requirements and conditions which, in his judgment, shall govern the operation of said schools.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 23, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285w - Private detective schools—License cancelled

A license granted by the Superintendent as provided in § 285u of this title, shall be cancelled if the person operating the private detective school, or his instructors or employees, shall fail to comply with the requirements of said section or of the regulations promulgated by the Superintendent.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 24; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285x - Private detective schools—Cancellation procedure

Whenever the Superintendent shall find in order the cancellation of a license for the establishment and operation of a private detectives’ school under the provisions of this chapter, he shall so notify the person concerned in writing, stating the reasons therefor. Said person may, within the twenty (20) days next following notice of the action by the Superintendent, request an administrative hearing to object to it. The petitioner shall be given at least eight (8) days’ notice of the date of the hearing, which shall be held within twenty (20) days after requested. The Superintendent shall render and notify his decision in connection with the allegations and proofs presented in the administrative hearing not later than twenty (20) days after it was held. The petitioner may request the reconsideration of the decision of the Superintendent, if adverse to him, within the twenty (20) days next following notice on him. Such petition for reconsideration shall be passed upon by the Superintendent within the twenty (20) days next following the date in which it was filed by the petitioner, and if said reconsideration is denied, the petitioner may resort to the Part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico where he resides with a petition for review, within the twenty (20) days next following notice on him of the refusal of the administrative reconsideration. Copy of the petition to the Court of First Instance for a review of the administrative decision shall be served on the Superintendent, who shall remand to the court, within the term fixed by it, the record of the administrative proceeding, including the transcription of the stenographic record of the hearing, without cost to the petitioner. Every notice of administrative hearing, decision of the Superintendent, and petition for reconsideration of the decision of the Superintendent, shall be in writing. Service by the Superintendent shall be accomplished upon depositing the notice in the mail addressed to the petitioner’s last known address.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 25, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285y - Private detective schools—Exceptions to § 285u

The provisions of § 285u of this title shall not be applicable to public or private schools recognized by the Department of Education offering in their curriculum courses for the teaching and training of private detectives.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 26; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 285z - Exemptions

(a) Any agent who has belonged to any of the divisions of the Police Corps of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or of any state of the United States and has served for a term of not less than eight (8) years or to any Investigation Corps attached to the Police, or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and has been honorably discharged therefrom, shall be entitled to obtain a private detective license, provided he/she meets all the requirements of Section 4, except for the provisions of subsections (f) and (k) of this section. The application shall be sworn before an officer authorized to administer oaths in Puerto Rico and shall state the applicant’s name and surnames; date and place of birth; place of residence, time he/she has lived in Puerto Rico, time during which and places where he/she has practiced the profession of private detective.
(b) Any nonresident private detective who shall prove that he is authorized to practice as such in any state, territory or possession of the United States of America, may be temporarily authorized by the Superintendent to practice his occupation in Puerto Rico for the sole purpose of fulfilling a specific mission; such authorization shall be fee free.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 27; June 24, 1968, No. 126, p. 292, § 12; Aug. 26, 2014, No. 141, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 286 - Penalty

(a) Any person operating a private detective school without being authorized by the Superintendent shall incur in a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
(b) Any person authorized to operate such a school who violates the provisions of the regulations promulgated by the Superintendent to that effect shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 28, eff. July 1, 1965.