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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

U.S. Attorney General Recognizes Need to Dedicate Additional Federal Resources to Confront Violence in Puerto Rico

Washington, DC- The Attorney General of the United States, Eric Holder, stated today that the federal government needs to address its attention more squarely on Puerto Rico to adequately address violence on the Island.

In response to questions asked by the Resident Commissioner, Pedro Pierluisi, in a hearing held by the House Judiciary Committee, the Attorney General expressly recognized the importance of strengthening the federal law enforcement presence on the Island, not only because Puerto Rico serves as a transshipment point for illegal drugs destined for the states, but also because “Puerto Ricans are American citizens who deserve the protection of their government.”

Pierluisi’s line of questioning follows up on several requests he has made to Attorney General Holder—through letters, a meeting and legislation—to establish a program to recruit, assign and retain federal law enforcement officers in areas that are experiencing a high rate of crime.

“When I look at the federal government’s efforts to combat drug-related violence in Puerto Rico, I am troubled that key Justice Department offices on the Island have vacancy rates between 17% and 57%,” the Resident Commissioner commented to the Attorney General during the hearing.

After agreeing with Pierluisi that the Island’s homicide statistics are worrisome, Holder assured Pierluisi that the Department will evaluate ways to increase the number of federal officers assigned to the Island, such as through the placement of additional personnel that are permanent or that are assigned for 90- or 180-day temporary duties.

The Resident Commissioner has made numerous efforts to increase the amount of federal resources dedicated to fighting crime in Puerto Rico and to eliminate the disparities between the level of resources allocated to Puerto Rico and to the states. For example, in the states, on average, 36 federal agents are assigned to a jurisdiction for every 100,000 residents. By contrast, in Puerto Rico, only 31 federal agents are assigned for the same number of residents.

Pierluisi was pleased that the Attorney General was aware of Puerto Rico’s crime problem and that the Attorney General gave his assurance that he will continue to address the issue.