Puerto Rico finance committee hears public safety agencies request funding for technology, recruitment and equipment

The House of Representatives’ Commission of Finance on April 29 heard top officials from Puerto Rico’s Department of Public Safety (DCP) and its subordinate agencies defend a consolidated budget that officials said totals roughly $1.32 billion for the department and its components.

Why it matters: Committee members repeatedly pressed officials on whether the department can operate without federal grants, on the cost and schedule for planned technology upgrades, and on workforce shortages that officials said are constraining response and service levels across police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS) and 9‑1‑1 operations.

Department overview and fiscal posture Arturo Garfer, secretary of the Department of Public Safety, told the commission his office has prioritized ‘‘investment in technology, equipment and recurrent training’’ and that the consolidated DCP budget is approximately $1.32 billion (with a similar target for FY26). He framed technology investment as central to improving investigations and day‑to‑day response coordination.

Individual component budgets and priorities - Joseph González, commissioner of the Puerto Rico Police, reported a police budget of about $872 million, with roughly 87% of that current allocation going to payroll. He said the police are investing in aerial assets, drones, and technology that supports patrol…