Security Overview for Puerto Rico

Violent and petty crimes are rampant in Puerto Rico. While the majority of criminal activity is concentrated in poorer neighborhoods, no part of the island is immune to the increasing boldness of criminals, who frequently carry firearms and will use them if resisted. The high crime rate is attributed to high rates of unemployment. The Puerto Rican government has made some headway into combating crime by hiring and training thousands of new police officers in recent years. Be on guard against potential pickpockets and thieves in urban areas. When about town, avoid wearing jewelry, a favorite target of snatch-and-run thieves. The risk of confrontations with armed street criminals increases substantially after dark; take group nighttime excursions to reduce the risk of personal assault. Avoid at all times public housing projects, known locally as caserios. They are home to the poorest of Puerto Rican society and are rife with drug dealing, crime and violence. Avoid visiting beaches at night.

Avoid using public transportation due the threat of crime. Hotel taxis or a private car provide more secure transportation. When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up. Thieves have been known to hijack cars and rob motorists at traffic stops; many locals take the legal and safety risk of rolling through traffic lights after dark. After midnight, however, local law allows motorists to regard red traffic lights as stop signs in many areas.

Large-scale demonstrations, strikes and general civil unrest in Puerto Rico are uncommon. The threat of terrorist activity in Puerto Rico is minimal. Some pro-independence and radical labor groups are active but rarely engage in violent activities. Labor extremists have a history of violence against employers. Foreign executives, who receive threats against corporate personnel or property, should always treat them seriously, especially if the threats come during periods of collective bargaining or otherwise tense labor relations. Kidnapping rates are low in Puerto Rico.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

The crime assessment is based on prevalence of petty crime, violent crime and random violence that could threaten foreigners.
A security services rating is determined by analyzing the trustworthiness and capability of local police and security services.
For civil unrest, we consider the level of violent demonstrations and prevalence of anti-government and/or anti-foreign sentiment.
The terrorism category includes levels of terrorist acts targeting domestic and international targets and state sanctioned terrorism.
The kidnapping rating is assigned by analyzing the occurrence of kidnapping for ransom and political leverage within the country.
An assessment of geopolitical stability considers the political infrastructure and economic stability that affects the overall security environment.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.