Gov’t distributes $6.9 million among 1,571 police retirees
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
The government of Puerto Rico will, for the first time, distribute over $6.9 million from the Puerto Rico Police Retirement Trust to about 1,571 retired police officers.
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced the move on Tuesday, along with Government Retirement Board member Arnaldo J. Ortiz Miranda, Puerto Rico Gaming Commission Executive Director Juan Carlos Santaella and Police Superintendent Joseph González.
The payment, which the governor said underscores “our commitment to honoring their service and dedication,” will be provided to eligible officers who retired as of April 30, 2013, and who ceased their duties on or after July 1, 2013, are 55 years of age, and have 30 years of service. Also eligible are those who retired between the ages of 58 and 62 without completing 30 years of service, due to their age upon joining the police force or interruptions in service not exceeding two years.
“We thank the fiscal component, which has worked hand in hand with the Retirement Board, the Gaming Commission, and the Puerto Rico Police, to fulfill our commitment to finally do justice for a group of police officers who retired after July 1, 2013, and whose benefits were negatively impacted by Law 3 of 2013, which reduced their pensions,” González Colón said. “We will continue working and seeking alternatives to improve their conditions because in our administration we recognize their value and sacrifice in serving and protecting our people.”
Ortiz Miranda said that “today, eligible retired officers who submitted their applications will receive this first supplemental retirement payment, thus completing the first distribution of the Trust’s assets.”
“Additionally, some eligible participants who have not yet submitted their applications and who are entitled to their corresponding compensation have been identified,” he noted. “I urge this group of retired police officers to contact us and submit their applications through our platform, available on the Retirement Board’s website at www.retiro.pr.gov.”
Law 40-2020, known as the “Police Retirement Trust Law,” created a trust whose funds will be transferred by the Gaming Commission through revenue generated by gambling machines to provide financial support to eligible police officers after their retirement. The supplemental payment is intended to approximate, as closely as possible, 50% of the average compensation of an eligible police officer.
“This first distribution from the Police Retirement Trust demonstrates that resources from the gaming machine industry can translate into tangible benefits for those who dedicated their lives to public service,” Santaella said.
González, the police superintendent, added that “this is the first payment, and as established by the regulations for the Administration and Distribution of the Assets of the Retirement Trust, the first $12 million is allocated to the general fund.”
“Therefore, next year this amount should increase and benefit eligible police officers,” he said. “We are currently addressing their suggestions and recommendations to strengthen their compensation.”