Police Bureau is 2 months behind in overtime payments

Police Commissioner Joseph González

By The Star Staff

Police Commissioner Joseph González acknowledged Monday that the island government owes police officers eight weeks of overtime pay and gave assurances that efforts are underway to settle the fiscal debt.

“Our police officers are owed overtime pay for the work they have done. The budget was miscalculated last year, leading to a lack of funds to cover these expenses,” González said at a press conference. “The process has already been initiated through the Department of Public Safety to request these funds from the Financial Oversight and Management Board.”

The commissioner noted that the shortage of personnel in the police force requires many officers to work additional hours, especially during high-demand events such as Holy Week, New Year’s Eve, the Inter-University Athletic League (LAI) Parade, and the May 1st demonstrations.

“With fewer resources, we need a stronger presence on the streets,” González stated.

In a summary of police operations, González detailed that the past week concluded with 143 murders, which is 37 fewer than the 180 recorded at the same time last year. He also expressed concern that fatal traffic accidents remain at 86, the same number as in 2024, despite patrol efforts.

González highlighted that 10,610 interventions were carried out during the week, resulting in 173 arrests, including 146 for driving under the influence and 21 for controlled substances. Additionally, more than 70 firearms were seized, including 14 rifles.

Notable arrests include Edgar Santiago Vázquez, a suspect in a murder in Santurce; Julio César de León Morales, known as Peluche or Jordan, who is linked to six murders in the eastern region; and three federal fugitives associated with a criminal organization in Sabana Abajo.