Puerto Rico Update and Changes

Searches in Puerto Rico have become increasingly difficult to obtain in a timely manner due to the economic and infrastructure degradation of the island. As you may be aware, SSC has been experiencing delays in the 50 to 70 day range, which has caused some of our clients great inconvenience. In an effort to understand and improve our procedures, SSC recently triggered a thorough investigation of criminal search performance in Puerto Rico. In the process, we have identified a better option for our clients.

First we’d like to share a little more detail about the criminal system in Puerto Rico. They have two systems, which must be checked in order to perform a complete criminal profile. One is “La Policia Estatal de Puerto Rico”, which is the automated statewide system and “La Policia de Puerto Rico Municipal”, which is appropriated through the court districts and are manually searched. The systems work independently of each other and both must be checked to ensure records are not missed for the requested name(s).

PROBLEM:

Government staff has been reduced significantly throughout the island’s courts and police departments. This has created a backlog of file requests, forcing the researcher to go through hundreds of files to locate the correct names. The statewide automated system has been shut down for the last month and this now causes researchers to have to go through paper files for that system as well.

These process changes will remain in effect until Puerto Rico becomes financially stable and can re-establish the proper staff and maintenance to these systems. No ETA has been given.

SOLUTION:

SSC has identified a partner with unique access to the above mentioned records, which will give our clients faster, more accurate results. In order for SSC to utilize their service, it requires a change to the current system ordering process.

Effective 10/24/2016, Puerto Rico will no longer be submitted as county criminal searches, they will auto-upgrade to a STATEWIDE CRIMINAL search. The service upgrade fee is $25.00 in addition to your defaulted statewide criminal rates. This changeover will likely result in a cost savings for most orders due to the multi-county research often needed. Further, the charges will only apply to the primary name on your order (AKA’s will not be charged separately for Puerto Rico.

There will also be a change regarding the documentation requirements. We will require the following to perform the search:

· Full name with maternal and paternal last names

· DOB and SSN

· Mother's maiden name

· Signed Release and Authorization

AND

One or more of the following:

· Puerto Rico ID or License number

· Passport Number

· Birth Certificate copy (if born in PR)

We believe this process change will improve the turnaround time and the quality of your future orders submitted.

If you have any questions please contact SSC at 203-925-6186