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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Pierluisi’s Efforts in the Area of Security Continue to Produce Positive Results

Washington, DC- Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi will be the Democratic floor manager for four bills being considered this afternoon by the U.S. House of Representatives, including H.R. 365, the Blue Alert Act of 2012. Joining New York Republican Michael Grimm, the Resident Commissioner is the lead Democratic sponsor of this legislation, which directs the U.S. Attorney General to establish a national “Blue Alert” communications network within the Department of Justice to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer in a state or territory is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty and the suspect has not yet been apprehended, similar to the “Amber Alert” that is disseminated when a child goes missing.

The Blue Alert system is a cooperative effort among federal, state and local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. A Blue Alert would provide a physical description of the suspect and may include a description of the suspect’s vehicle and license plate information.

In Puerto Rico, over 325 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty since 1900—with over 40 Island officers killed between the year 2000 and the year 2010.

“I am very pleased that this bill will be voted on today by the full House. This is a test of whether Republicans and Democrats can stake out common ground and identity solutions to the problems that confront us. In Congressman Grimm, a former FBI agent, I have found a partner to advance legislation to promote security and combat crime,” said Pierluisi.

Pierluisi Floor Amendment to Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill Results in Increase of $126 Million for Anti-Crime COPS Program

The National Blue Alert Act comes on the heels of another recent successful legislative initiative from the Resident Commissioner in the area of security. Last week, Pierluisi and Grimm filed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, seeking to increase funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring program by $126 million.

This amendment—which was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, which together represent over 340,000 members—was approved by the full House after an intensive debate, 206 to 204.

“I have always argued—whether as a Member of Congress or, before that, as Puerto Rico’s Attorney General—that it is important for the federal government provide robust funding for the COPS program. Since the program began, Puerto Rico’s law enforcement agencies have received over $160 million in COPS grants. These grants have funded the hiring of over 3,700 additional police officers on the Island to prevent and respond to crime. Six million dollars of the funding has been used to add over 90 officers to protect students and teachers in Island schools, and about $9 million dollars has been awarded to help state and municipal police departments purchase crime-fighting technology and equipment,” said the Resident Commissioner.

“When it comes to security, we must devote the resources and efforts that are necessary to be successful,” he added.