González executes leadership shuffle at Police Bureau

By The Star Staff

Police Commissioner Joseph González announced Monday a series of appointments and relocations in the Police Bureau’s regional commands and auxiliary directorates, as part of his reorganization of the senior officers after taking office three months ago.

“Three months ago, I assumed leadership of the Puerto Rico Police, and since then, I have always said I would put the right people in the right positions, and today I have additional announcements regarding some appointments,” González said at a press conference.

Notable among the moves is the appointment of Col. Orlando Rivera Lebrón as assistant commissioner of field operations, a position previously held by Col. Juan Cáceres Méndez, who will now lead the San Juan Police Region Command.

Lt. Col. Alba Díaz Torres was also appointed assistant commissioner of education and training, reinforcing the focus on training within the police force.

In the southern region, Col. Roberto Rivera Miranda, who was previously assistant commissioner of criminal investigations, assumed command of the Ponce region. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Guillermo Rivera Rosario transferred from the Aibonito region to the Bayamón command, and Lt. Col. Ángel Viera Mendoza left the Police Academy to assume command of the Aguadilla region.

In other appointments, Cmdr. Sharon Ruiz Rivera will be in charge of the Humacao region, Lt. Col. Samuel Luciano Rivas will lead Guayama, Cmdr. Carlos Nazario Lebrón will lead Fajardo, Cmdr. Gaby Pérez Cintrón was assigned to Utuado, and Cmdr. Luis Aponte will be in charge of Aibonito.

Lt. Col. Jorge Luyando Pérez was appointed director of the Bureau of Drugs, Narcotics, Vice Control, and Illegal Weapons, while Lt. Col. Eliezer Colón Flores joined the Commissioner’s Office, where he will also chair the Examination Board.