Free Republic

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Thousands of police officers are calling in sick every day in Puerto Rico, partly to press demands for unpaid overtime pay for hurricane recovery efforts as concerns grow over people’s safety in a U.S. territory struggling to restore power. The increase in absences recently prompted Puerto Rico Police Chief Michelle Hernandez to recommend that U.S. National Guard soldiers help fill the temporary vacancies.

Gov. Luis Fortuño announced Wednesday the appointment of former Puerto Rico National Guard Adjutant Gen. Emilio Díaz Colón to head the island’s 19,000-member Police Department. The announcement was made during a graduation ceremony for hundreds of new state and municipal police officers at the Puerto Rico Coliseum in Hato Rey. The governor thanked Díaz Colón, who took part in the graduation ceremony, for accepting the “challenge” of heading the department. Díaz Colón headed the Puerto Rico National Guard during the Rosselló administration, when troops were posted at public housing projects as part of the so-called “mano dura,” or firm hand,...

(English-language translation) [Puerto Rico] Police Superintendent José Figueroa ordered the cancellation of vacation and off days in the department in order to have the largest number of personnel on hand to handle any incidents this weekend when Halloween is celebrated. Likewise, through a press release, the official called on people to take the necessary precautions next Sunday, October 31 as they celebrate in the evening. "We urge all fathers and mothers to supervise and be aware of where and with whom their children are celebrating the traditional Halloween. In the case of minors, it is crucial for children to be...