Michelle Hernandez Fraley and Arnaldo Claudio.
Photo: Inter News Service
Transformation plan presented to
Police Academy
POSTED: June 18
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Arnaldo Claudio | Michelle M. Hernandez Fraley
Editorial
Unfiltered information on police reform
The order issued late Tuesday by Federal Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi, conditioning the granting interviews to journalists-and-answers that can give the appointed monitor of police reform, Arnaldo Claudio, should be modified to benefit Country's right to be fully informed, unfiltered and unfettered.
This provision is inconsistent with the requirement of total openness to those involved in a process that precisely seeks to banish from the Puerto Rico Police an old culture of corruption, abuse, violation of civil rights cases manufacturing, handling statistics and lack of transparency in the data related to criminal spiral decades. For all that entails, and thus represents the Uniformed for safety and overall quality of life, the police claimed transformation project represents a high listing in the interest of 3.7 million citizens of the Island transparent information, without restrictions, without conditions, thus represents a vital for society to place confidence in the changes that must take action. Judge in his order Gelpí argues that "the court recognizes the essential role that technical compliance counsel (TCA) will have on the reform of the police." And also argues that "although the TCA is subject to the terms of the court (federal) to make public statements , at this preliminary stage, the court considers that it is important for the public to know about their background, their overall role and mission. " And on each step in this complicated path of tidying public safety, with emphasis added us. So what demand the country is not only "information" on the monitor at this stage "preliminary" but complete information on this important matter of public interest, at every stage of the way. Consequently, it becomes contrary to the public interest the decision of the federal judge to establish that the questions of the media and journalists to technical compliance with the reforms must be submitted to Claudio for review.Contrary to what may be the intention of Gelpí, this lends to the institutionalization of selective response. Even more worryingly, the order seeks to regulate and evaluate the work of journalists in covering the police process, dictate that Claudio interviews can not be "sensationalized nor political questions." The professionalism and accountability of the Puerto Rican press is not in question. Therefore, it exceeds charges the judge with this untimely Gelpí rating. yeah What is at issue is the quality of surgical reform the situation requires our Uniform. So concur with the questions raised by the journalists' associations, particularly as expressed by the President of the Association of Journalists of Puerto Rico, Rafael Lenin Lopez, in the sense that "it is absurd that a court, called to ensure the rights of citizens, take a measure that would prohibit the Country is an absolute scrutiny of a public official. The conditions imposed on the officer about his interaction with the press are extraordinary measures that, far from being protectionist about the case in question, raise suspicion about the work done. " And the process Claudio monitor ratified it for nearly a year by the Alejandro García Padilla Governor and Secretary of Federal Justice, Eric Holder, is nothing more and nothing less than the orderly reform by the same court after the lawsuit filed by the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department of the United States and the American Union Civil Liberties against police accused of serious violations, including killings of unarmed citizens. Claudio, Gelpí confirmed by the 5th of this month as technical advisor compliance, must be able to work in compliance with the country's public information. Therefore, the judge should remove restrictions Gelpí to sustain the credibility of police reform.
Confirman a Arnaldo Claudio como monitor de la Policía
Arnaldo Claudio fue confirmado hoy, jueves, como asesor técnico a cargo de velar por el cumplimiento de la reforma de la Policía de Puerto ...
Editorial
Can not be delayed further reform the police
Regardless of who the candidate for federal monitor, police reform can no longer standing nearly a year after the approval of the agreement in the lawsuit that the Justice Department brought against the United States Puerto Rico Police.The urgent, no doubt, is the appointment of the monitor, an office which is considered the Puerto Rican Arnaldo Claudio retired military, civilians who now performs security functions in Washington, DC, and has faced some criticism for his background in the military . however, the most important is still put forward the reform of an institution beleaguered by allegations of violation of civil rights extensively documented in the federal lawsuit transigida in July 2013. We can not downplay the selection process, they stumbled upon the resignation of first choice for the office, the federal marshal John Mattos, four months after his appointment and without properly assume their function. But we must trust that Federal Judge Gustavo Gelpi granted in the coming days the consent decree for the appointment of Claudio, who is the new consensus candidate of the departments of Justice United States and Puerto Rico. The agreement signed on July 17, 2013 between the governor Alejandro García Padilla and the federal secretary of Justice, Eric Holder, states that any appointment to the post will require the consent of the judge Gelpí, to whom was initialed.Claudio, who speaks Spanish and who would move to the country to be confirmed monitor, would be responsible for monitoring compliance with the requirements that the police promised to attend to the Federal Court agreed to a negotiated settlement between the parties. Such an agreement was signed 11 months ago and truth is that the police, who has had three superintendents at that time, have not started the reforms to which it is bound. was the judge himself Gelpí who recalled last month the police commitment to the agreement and was required to deliver not later than 1 August next, a report which establishes its position on 10 key aspects of the proposed reform. Specifically, the police, now under the direction of Jose Caldero, should detail their "exact position" on professionalization of staff;use of force by their agents; search and seizure techniques; recruitment, training and supervision of police and care complaints. Similarly, the police will have to set its position in writing as to the equal protection of citizens, their commitment to the community and their information systems. 's report requested by the judge Gelpí should be helpful for the new monitor federal as well as the Cauldron itself, which was confirmed one month superintendent ago, and we understand that will speed the process of deep changes required in the police to end the episodes of civil rights violation that gave rise to both demand for federal Justice as presented similar shortly after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU. by its acronym in English). confident that once solved the issue of who will be the federal monitor, the judge shall set Gelpí be selected for the June 15, on to what is really important, as we have discussed above, is the full implementation without delay of the reform, which is estimated will involve an investment of about $ 300 million. course, it is not only establishing new rules and procedures, or introduce new equipment and the latest techniques, but to make a deep, clear and real change in the thinking and acting of the members of the second largest police force in the jurisdiction of USA. It is time to get it.Optimista Arnaldo Claudio de que juez lo confirme como monitor de...
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Arnaldo Claudio
Miércoles, 18 de junio de 2014
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Interview with the federal police monitor
By Mariana Cobián06/18/2014 | 7:22 pm
Arnaldo Claudio was hopeful that the reform will help the Uniformed
Arnaldo Claudio, new federal monitor to ensure the implementation of the Police Reform, said Wednesday it began its work in office with the hope that, as part of the professionalization of the Uniformed and citizenship is achieved is feel safer without them violate their human rights.
Technical Compliance Consultant (TCA) nominated by the departments of federal and state law, and supported by Federal Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi, spoke with this medium on the work done so far, when he takes little more than 10 days in position. The interview took place just hours after a judge issued a warrant Gelpí, with a term of 30 days, to give Claudio news media interviews, provided they do not talk about politics or specific issues of the Reformation.
The decision Gelpí was harshly criticized by journalists' associations such as the Association of Journalists of Puerto Rico (ASPPRO), that voice of President Rafael Lenin Lopez said: "It is absurd that a court, called to ensure the rights of citizens, take a measure that would prohibit the country is an absolute scrutiny of a public official. conditions imposed on the officer about his interaction with the press, extradordinarias measures are far from being protectionist about the case in question, raise suspicion about the work performed ".
In this context, chatted with Claudio.
Question: What has been your agenda in the early days as a federal monitor?
Answer: I met with Police Superintendent Jose Caldero, and I spent almost four hours at the headquarters, where I also met with its domestic "staff" of the Reformation. After I met with groups, painfully, their rights were violated, as Dominicans, and William Ramirez (executive director) of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), and I had a pleasant conversation well. I paid my knowledge of human and civil rights, which are not on my resume.
Q: Have you visited headquarters of the Police and the Police Academy?
A: Today (Wednesday) I am one of the areas of excellence in command of Adjuntas and Camuy.It has given me the opportunity to see the resources of the police and how they are used to understand how he is in office. Yesterday (Tuesday) was in the Police Academy almost five hours, watching the new curriculum and all that is taken into account in the initiation of cadets begin their first year in the system of the Reformation, which are just over 300 cadets.
Q: Have you talked with officers and sergeants field?
A: I've talked to many police field to see their personal and professional impressions and commitment to the Puerto Rico Police. Today I had the pleasure of talking to many of them, no change of checkpoints, guard and I could observe. I watched an arrest they made and how sE conducted, which was according to the law. I could hear how they feel, according to the training they have received. I've been lucky enough to hear at least initially.
Q: What do you tell those cops field?
A: The judge in allowing Gelpí was good to talk to the media, but there are provisions of the Reformation that say I can not talk about minutiae, sometimes sensitive.
Q: But what they said, in general terms, do you know about the Reformation? Did you agree with the changes?
A: It would have to do a much more thorough study, not just talk to them but do surveys. I've only visited two headquarters. It's a little premature, but the good thing is that we started and within the Puerto Rico Police no knowledge of the Reformation. Not that I do not understand it or know of it, are all soaked in a way it is, but we're just starting.
Q: Who else would like to meet?
A: Another thing I want to do is talk to former governors in their feeling to the Reformation, as they have been leaders in this country. I've already talked to exsuperintendentes to hear their opinions, good or bad. I am also awaiting a meeting with (the chairmen of the House and Senate), Jaime Perello and Eduardo Bhatia, because although mine is not a politician, I am a being of the court, but they are leaders of the country and I hope you understand my position the Reformation and to carry the message.
Q: One of the obstacles to the implementation of the reform is the economic aspect ...
A: The economy will always be a problem because resources are limited. But be wise and prudent in the use of the money we have, and consider that. Not to belittle that something is going to cost money, but if you are going to spend it with a sense of professionalism and good deal closer to the situation in Puerto Rico. That I am clear.
Q: What is your expectation with the Reformation?
A: It's a little early, but the Reformation is well overwhelming. It has many areas, there are 11 specific areas, starting with the professionalization of the police, technology and information systems to ensure abuse of force, searches and seizures and non-discrimination. But this is not a race, it's a marathon. What you need to do is either to give the people of Puerto Rico what they deserve in terms of an organization worthy of respect to practice law. Police hope to have a dignified, respectful, understanding of human rights, a people who are happy with their police, that confidence, that children feel safe on the streets, we can all be happy, be healthy people and energy.
P: Have you moved to Puerto Rico? What about your family?
A: I'm living in Puerto Rico. My lady arrives tomorrow and my grandchildren will be here next week.Now assemble the house in Gurabo, we are here for a long time. I am a product of the schools of Puerto Rico, born and raised in Guaynabo first and then in the beautiful town of Caguas. My three grandchildren, aged 11, four and six months, come next week and take you to meet the beauties of Puerto Rico. There are several sites where the primary take. One is to see his family, his great-grandfather is 95 years old. I'll take you to explore the Anvil, a splendid beaches, and no place in the world to cook and Puerto Rico, so when you see the black pudding, maybe catch them afraid, but will eat sausages.
Claudio was confirmed on June 5 as a technical advisor in charge of ensuring compliance with the reform of the Puerto Rico Police. Retired Colonel U.S. Army is not under any contract with the Police and Justice departments, but serves as an officer of the Federal Court of Puerto Rico. His salary compensation is paid by funds provided by the Commonwealth.
The Reformation was ratified on July 17, 2013 by Alejandro García Padilla Governor and Attorney General of the United States, Eric Holder. This process was initiated following a complaint submitted to the Department of Justice against the government of Puerto Rico for civil rights violations by the state police force.
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 5, 2014
District Court Approves Selection of Arnaldo Claudio as Technical Compliance Advisor to Oversee Critical Reforms of Puerto Rico Police Department
Today, U.S. District Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí approved the selection of Arnaldo Claudio to serve as Technical Compliance Advisor (TCA), overseeing the implementation of sweeping civil rights reforms under the Agreement for Sustainable Reform of the Puerto Rico Police Department. The agreement resolved a civil action filed by the Department of Justice in 2012 to protect individuals from the use of excessive force, unconstitutional searches and seizures and discriminatory policing by officers of the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD). According to the order of appointment, Claudio will begin his term on June 6, 2014.
Under the agreement, the department and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico agreed to jointly select a TCA to assist the court and the public in determining whether critical reforms are implemented fully and in a timely manner. The reforms cover 11 core areas, including use of force, searches and seizures, bias-free policing, recruitment, promotions, training, supervision, discipline, community engagement and information technology. The TCA will serve a vital role in promoting compliance and the sustainability of reforms. The TCA will also provide substantive expertise and technical assistance to guide PRPD in its implementation efforts and assures the public that PRPD’s progress is evaluated in a reliable, independent and transparent manner.
The department and the commonwealth selected Claudio after an exhaustive review of potential candidates based on numerous objective factors. These factors included relevant experience with institutional reform, subject-matter expertise, Spanish language proficiency, impartiality, an ability to interact effectively with diverse communities and a strong commitment to civil rights and effective policing. Claudio’s proven record of outstanding performance and achievement demonstrate that he possesses the necessary skills and abilities to effectively carry out the TCA’s duties.
Claudio has the Spanish language proficiency that is contemplated by the agreement and is necessary to communicate effectively in Puerto Rico. He is firmly committed to meaningful community engagement and maintaining a consistent presence in Puerto Rico throughout the reform process. His exceptional work with police departments and criminal justice systems in the United States and around the world will assist in promoting compliance with critical structural and systemic reforms that are necessary to restoring public confidence and achieving effective and constitutional policing in Puerto Rico.
Claudio was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Education from Jacksonville State University and is a graduate of the Inter-American Defense College. During his 30 years of military service, Claudio has held numerous highly sensitive positions culminating as Chief of Staff and Chief of Police of Joint Force Headquarters for the National Capital Region in Washington, D.C. In his current position as Interagency Program Director of the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region, he coordinates directly with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and other national security partners. He also leads critical relationships with governmental and non-governmental agencies to ensure regional safety and security. Many of Claudio’s assignments have allowed him to work closely with police agencies and communities domestically, such as Washington, D.C. and Hawaii, and abroad, including Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and El Salvador. He served as Provost Marshal and Chief of Police of the Multinational Coalition Forces in Iraq, working tirelessly to promote democratic policing and human rights. He also served as Chief of Staff and Operations with the Peace Corps where he oversaw volunteer recruitment, selection and placement. Claudio’s remarkable skill, performance and dedication have been recognized with numerous military and civilian awards and decorations.
“Mr. Claudio’s extraordinary career and service to our nation has been marked by an unwavering commitment to basic principles of human dignity and safety for all people, both here and abroad,” said Associate Attorney General Tony West. “He now brings his exceptional skill and talent home to Puerto Rico to embark in the critical task of transforming the second largest law enforcement agency in the country into a modern, professional agency that serves and protects all residents with respect and fairness.”
“Reforming the Puerto Rico Police Department will take a collaborative and sustained effort over the course of many years, and Mr. Claudio has enthusiastically embraced that challenge to help restore public confidence and public safety to the people of Puerto Rico,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the department’s Civil Rights Division. “We look forward to working closely with Mr. Claudio, the court, the commonwealth government, police officers and all of the communities that make up Puerto Rico to ensure the full implementation of fundamental civil rights reforms.”
In the coming days and weeks, the department will work with the commonwealth to assist the TCA in building a cohesive team of subject-matter experts to oversee all areas of the agreement and to engage broadly with PRPD and the community. With the start of his term, Claudio will work to evaluate PRPD’s efforts over the last year and will oversee the development of action plans that will guide implementation during the initial capacity-building phase of the agreement. The TCA’s assessments will include a thorough review of PRPD’s policies, training curricula, standard operating procedures, plans, protocols and other operational documents related to the agreement. The TCA will also assess whether the implementation of the agreement results in constitutional policing, increased community trust and the professional treatment of individuals by PRPD officers. To this end, the TCA will engage with a broad cross-section of community stakeholders, including representatives of civic and community organizations, minority communities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities, student and labor groups, civil rights organizations, women’s advocacy groups and police officers to ensure they have a voice in the reform process.
District Judge Gelpí entered the agreement as an order in July 2013, following extensive negotiations and a thorough investigation by the Civil Rights Division. The investigation focused on allegations of use of excessive force, unconstitutional searches and seizures and discriminatory policing by officers of the PRPD. The department issued findings of violations and serious deficiencies in September 2011 and filed a civil action to remedy the violations in December 2012. The case was brought under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which authorizes the Attorney General to file suit against government authorities to eliminate a pattern or practice of misconduct by state and local law enforcement officers.
A copy of the complaint, the final agreement and the September 2011 findings letter can be found at the department website . Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and its enforcement of civil rights laws involving law enforcement agencies can be found on the division website .
