Police relaunch ‘Not One More Bullet in the Air’ campaign with renewed outreach efforts

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Police Bureau launched its “Not One More Bullet in the Air” campaign on Monday with an event at Plaza Carolina that included the premiere of a new song performed by singer-songwriter Alex Javier Esteras with the Police Band.

“One injury, one death is one too many. We cannot let our guard down,” said Police Superintendent Joseph González, who acknowledged the support of organizations, agencies, and media outlets in disseminating the preventative message.

During the event, the public heard testimonies from families affected by the illegal practice of firing shots into the air on New Year’s Eve. Among them was Carlos Negrón Santiago, father of Karla Michelle, who died in 2011 after being struck by a stray bullet.

The initiative, established by Law 404 of 2000, has sought to curb a problem that resulted in 42 injuries and three deaths between 2000 and 2003. Although there was a six-year period without fatalities, between 2010 and 2011 two minors died: Javier Cancel Flores and Karla Michelle Negrón.

From 2000 to 2024, 93 injuries and five deaths related to celebratory gunfire during New Year’s Eve celebrations were recorded.

Puerto Rico is the only place in the world that legally recognizes December as “No Gunfire in the Air Month” and Dec. 31 as “No Gunfire in the Air Day.” Firing into the air is a felony punishable by a fixed five-year prison sentence, which can be increased to 10 years if there are aggravating circumstances.

The campaign will run until Jan. 7 with information booths in shopping malls, public service announcements, and talks in communities and schools. The effort will encompass all 13 police districts and divisions, such as Community Relations and the Police Athletic League.

The confidential hotline 787-343-2020 is available to report related incidents. Emergencies can be reported to 911.