Analyst: Police chief 50 years behind the times
Police Superintendent José Figueroa Sancha’s handling of last Wednesday’s situation at the Capitol has prompted a barrage of criticism from different political and civic sectors of the country, including several from people linked to the administration and the New Progressive Party.
For several such critics, the incident at the Capitol is but the latest example of Figueroa Sancha’s inability to head Puerto Rico’s Police Department, one that historically has been riddled with cases of corruption and abuse of power.
“The chief of police has not changed with the times. He seems to be stuck in the Cold War era, where he believes his responsibility is to fight against socialism in favor of the West,” political analyst Ignacio Rivera said about Figueroa Sancha’s performance as Police Superintendent.
“He is some 50 years behind,” Rivera added.
Last Wednesday, Figueroa Sancha assumed responsibility for the incident between a riot police squad and a group of citizens, mostly University of Puerto Rico students who tried to enter the Senate to witness the last day of sessions and present a petition to the senators.
The group walked up the north stairs of the Capitol to enter the building only to be repelled and pushed down the stairs by the anti riot agents. A brief confrontation ensued as the group tried to hold their ground against the advancing officers who made indiscriminate use of their nightsticks against students, women and even journalists covering the event. Several demonstrators had to be treated for cuts and bruises and even some fractures after the melee. One police officer received a deep wound on his elbow.
Later that night, Figueroa Sancha admitted he had ordered the police squad to use force to clear the area. The Superintendent also said he had evidence indicating that several demonstrators had been carrying stones and other objects in their backpacks with the alleged intention of throwing them at the police.
“While he [Figueroa Sancha] has not been able to win the favor of career officers within the force, as other civilian Superintendents have done before, he has managed to instill an image of confidence and security in the administration that guarantees his staying at the helm [of the Police Department],” Rivera said.
The political analyst’s statement seems to be confirmed by Gov. Fortuño’s vote of confidence in his Police Superintendent.
Recently questioned whether he would consider dismissing Figueroa Sancha from his post on account of his actions during the Capitol incident, Fortuño expressly denied the possibility.
“That is not under consideration. Of course we have to rethink the way we are going to deal with big demonstrations. Such a sad incident like this [at the Capitol] cannot be repeated,” Fortuño said while justifying the harshness of the police action as a response to “groups openly bent on changing our political system.”
“His image [Figueroa Sancha’s] as protector of the establishment is very well instilled. He has been very effective in this sense,” Rivera said.
Nevertheless, the political analyst considers the Superintendent “a failure” in every other aspect of police work.
“Drug-related crimes are at their highest, domestic violence is rampant and citizens are terrified by the body count ,” Rivera said.
Questioned about the possibility of Figueroa Sancha's making the necessary changes to reduce the crime rate, Rivera didn’t consider him able to perform.
“I don’t think he is intelligent enough to make the necessary corrections. He doesn’t have what it takes,” Rivera said.
