Santurce Might Welcome Retired Police Officers Back to Work

The San Juan Daily Star reports that a new proposal aims to bring retired police officers back to work in municipal police forces in Santurce, Puerto Rico. This initiative includes allowing these officers to retain their pension benefits and continue working without resigning their current positions.

President Gabriel Hernández Rodríguez of the Federation of Mayors announced the proposal, with Senator Thomas Rivera Schatz introducing the Senate Bill 1595. This bill seeks to integrate retired state police officers into municipal police departments, ensuring they can continue earning their pensions while also contributing to the local police force.

Under the 'VALOR' program, retired officers who have served for at least a year and are in good health can join the municipal police. They must pass physical, psychological, and knowledge-based assessments. The proposal also outlines the requirements for both the retired officer and the municipality.

Senator Hernández Rodríguez emphasized the benefits of this measure, stating that it would help strengthen the police presence in communities and enhance emergency response services, which significantly impact community safety and quality of life.

The proposal stipulates that the municipal police would pay a salary for the retired officers' work, with the amount paid not exceeding the municipal rank's remuneration. The proposal also specifies the conditions for hiring and how this program would be funded.

With the aim to reduce the burden on municipal budgets, the proposal encourages the hiring of retired police officers as a means of workforce expansion. It also suggests the possibility of these officers being considered for full pension benefits, which would require them to remain employed and eligible for further contributions to their pension system.