PSAJ reports 1252 under supervision with only 10 fugitives in Puerto Rico

In a recent session of the Puerto Rico Legislature, significant discussions took place regarding the supervision of individuals under the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (PSAJ). As of the meeting date, there are 1,252 individuals currently under PSAJ supervision, with only 10 classified as fugitives. This statistic highlights the effectiveness of the supervision system, as the majority of individuals are complying with their conditions.

The meeting also addressed the complexities surrounding electronic monitoring. Not all individuals evading supervision are under electronic monitoring, which complicates the tracking and management of these cases. The discussions emphasized the importance of understanding the nature of violations, as not all breaches of conditions lead to immediate incarceration. Instead, judges have the discretion to modify conditions rather than impose harsher penalties, which can maintain individuals within the community while still addressing violations.

A key point raised was the need for detailed data on the types of violations occurring among those under supervision. This information is crucial for balancing public safety with the rights of individuals. Legislators expressed a desire for clarity on whether violations correlate with new criminal offenses, which could inform future legislative actions.

Additionally, the meeting touched on a legislative proposal mandating the administration of courts to develop guidelines within 90 days regarding bail amounts. The Office of Administration of Courts indicated that while they can prepare these guidelines, they do not impose mandatory frameworks on judges, who retain interpretative authority. The proposed timeline for these guidelines was deemed reasonable, but concerns were raised about potential increases in the number of individuals unable to post bail, which could lead to higher incarceration rates.

In conclusion, the discussions during this legislative session underscored the ongoing challenges and considerations in managing individuals under supervision in Puerto Rico. The balance between ensuring public safety and respecting individual rights remains a critical focus for lawmakers, as they navigate the complexities of the justice system. The anticipated guidelines on bail will be closely monitored, as they could significantly impact the judicial landscape in the coming months.