A recent social media post (video) was uploaded last night, where it shows a group of people in the tourist area of San Juan, while a police officer in a cruiser starts to remind business owners and the public in general over the loud speaker that the curfew takes place starting at 9pm, at which time no one can be inside businesses, or outside on the streets according to the new COVID regulations mandated by Governor Pierluisi.
The video then takes a wild turn, someone is overheard in the background saying “but it’s only 8pm” making reference to the police’s announcement. Shortly after, the police officer is heard over the speaker making xenophobic/racist comments towards an alleged Mexican tourist. watch the video: (language warning):
An administrative investigation is underway, to determine the nature in which the alleged police officer behaved like this. The commissioner of the Police Bureau, Colonel Antonio López, revealed that the officer who was recorded insulting a foreigner in the Condado area through a loudspeaker could face harsh penalties, ranging from days of suspension to the definitive expulsion of the force.
“The comment is not justified and less through a loudspeaker. We have regulations and instructions to follow and comply with. You have to have respect and have empathy for the people we serve, ”said López, who said that every officer is instructed on how to treat people, including visitors.
“At no point do I agree (with the comments). That is why it was sent to investigate immediately and then proceed ”, he sentenced.
Let’s not forget that ultimately, police officers represent the law and order of a country and should reflect that in their day to day operations. The video has gone viral and opinions are mixed on social media, some defending the officer’s comments as they are “fed up” with the current tourist’s behavior crisis that has struck Puerto Rico in the last months, where tourists have been filmed causing mayhem in hotels, airports and on the streets of the island during spring break. Others, say the officer was way out of hand with his comments over the loud speaker.
