COPS, TROOPERS TO DEPLOY TO TERRITORY

Massachusetts cops and troopers are deploying to Puerto Rico to help the hurricane-ravaged territory get back on its feet by helping local law enforcement.

The team of 69 police officers and state troopers will be split into three groups that will each deploy for two weeks. In addition, state police are sending 13 cruisers to the island for the entire sixweek operation.

“We are proud that a team of law enforcement officers will deploy to Puerto Rico to help keep residents safe after the recent catastrophic hurricanes,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “The Commonwealth continues to offer personnel and equipment resources as needed to Puerto Rico, and is preparing to welcome disaster survivors traveling to Massachusetts. We will keep collaborating at all levels of government to support Puerto Rico throughout this difficult time.”

The request for assistance from Puerto Rico came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a national emergency management mutual aid system that “facilitates state-to-state disaster assistance,” the statement read.

Boston police are sending 24 officers, eight in each rotation, while state police are sending 17 troopers in addition to the cruisers. Cops are expected to help local law enforcement enforce curfews that remain in place as the island struggles to get back on its feet. Cops from Chelsea, Lowell, Holyoke, Provincetown, Waltham, Peabody, Hampden, Littleton, Everett, Revere and East Hampton will also be deployed.

“The deployment of these law enforcement officers from Massachusetts will provide the citizens of Puerto Rico an added sense of security during recovery efforts,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said in a statement.