Governor touts ‘historic’ reduction in violent crime

The 132 new Puerto Rico Police officers will begin their duties immediately in the areas of greatest need on the island, as they join the 229 officers certified in September. (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón)

132 new police officers are certified

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said during the certification of 132 new Puerto Rico Police officers on Monday that the island is ending 2025 with a historic reduction in violent crimes, femicides and suicides.

“Today is a very satisfying day,” the governor said in a written statement. “Today we have new officers who have taken an important step for Puerto Rico, joining the thousands of men and women who honor us with their service in our Police force, and we are also closing the year with a historic reduction in crime in practically all categories of violent crime.”

González Colón noted that the new officers will begin their duties immediately in the areas of greatest need on the island and that they join the 229 police officers certified in September, after completing 1,102 hours of training and the required associate’s degree.

“To date, we have the lowest number of murders in recent decades; we have 33 fewer murders compared to the same date last year,” the governor added. “Similarly, we have five fewer femicides, 15 fewer women murdered, and 110 fewer armed carjackings.”

She also noted that in 2026, the training of another 292 cadets will begin, which would bring the total to more than 600 new officers, and reiterated her commitment to providing better tools, working conditions, and a salary increase for police officers.

Police Superintendent Joseph González highlighted the commitment of police personnel and noted that the results are due to the preventive and operational work of the force throughout the year.

“It is important to note that the results we are celebrating today are the product of the commitment and hard work of the police, not only in terms of prevention, but also in the implementation of important initiatives that allow us to remove the most violent and dangerous criminals from the streets, seize thousands of illegal firearms, and solve a large number of cases,” added González, a former special agent in charge of the FBI in Puerto Rico.