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LEGAL AUTHORITY
Act No. 5 of April 23, 1973,
as amended, known as the Organic Law of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
MISSION
Offers information, education and counseling services to encourage respectful and reliable relationships between consumers and providers of goods and services; with the help of a motivated and committed workforce.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
- Citizen's Orientation of against Obscenity and Child Pornography in Radio and TV
- Information Technology Office
- Economic Studies Division
- Weight and Measure Division
- Office of the Deputy Secretary
- Regional Offices
- Office of the Secretary
- Special Division to Adjudicate Condos Complaints
- Human Resource and Labor Relations
- General Management and Administration
| Statistical Data |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
| Administrative hearings |
5,915 |
5,900 |
5,925 |
| Administrative hearings cited |
8,615 |
8,600 |
8,700 |
| Complaints closed |
2,098 |
2,100 |
2,050 |
| Complaints filed during year |
9,240 |
9,300 |
9,300 |
| Complaints pending beginning of the year |
5,624 |
3,971 |
2,971 |
| Complaints pending end of the year |
3,971 |
2,971 |
2,021 |
| Complaints resolved |
8,795 |
8,200 |
8,200 |
| Guidance, lectures and exhibits |
11,595 |
11,800 |
12,000 |
| Inquiries |
23,635 |
23,800 |
24,000 |
| Litigation cases closed |
1,682 |
1,700 |
1,750 |
| Litigation cases filed |
1,469 |
1,500 |
1,550 |
| Preventive investigation visits |
12,601 |
12,700 |
13,000 |
| Resolutions issued |
8,795 |
8,200 |
8,200 |
| Total complaints |
14,864 |
13,271 |
12,271 |
| Total complaints resolved and filed |
10,893 |
10,300 |
10,250 |
PROGRAMS
Television Violence
Program Description
Promotes the quality of programs and messages on television to stimulate the television industry so that it voluntarily adopts self-regulation parameters of hours and content as recommended by the Advisory Board. Also collaborates in the formulation of public policy to ensure that government agencies do not sponsor or advertise on television segments which are not classified by the Advisory Board.
Customers
Consumers and Government agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
General Management and Administration
Program Description
Enacts consumer protection public policy, makes decisions regarding consumer protection processes, also, coordinates and supervises the use of available resources, and investigates when unjust practices occur to guarantee a fair market for goods and services. Monitors and coordinates agency resources in order to provide better service to its customers.
Customers
Different units of the Department and citizens in general
Internal Resources Management
Program Description
Provides administrative and fiscal support and manages financial and human resources. Makes sure the necessary services are available to carry out agency's operations.
Customers
Department's employees.
Citizen orientation against obscenity and child pornography on radio and television
Program Description
Looks to remove obscenity and child pornography from the radio and television. Counsels citizens on their right to enjoy radio and television programs that are free of these materials. The Program was created through Act 142-2002.
Consumer Services in Regional Offices
Program Description
Offers legal services for the evaluation of laws and regulations, research, resolution of claims and consumer education. Services are channeled through regional offices located in: Arecibo, Bayamon, Caguas, Humacao, Mayaguez, Ponce, and San Juan. These offices have 5 basic areas of service to the public: Adjudication of Claims, Consumer Protection, Litigation, Auxiliary Services, Education and Administrative Support.
Customers
Consumers who request legal services, education, submit claims and cases arbitration. Businesses who request verification of their weighing and measurement equipment.
FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 PROPOSED BUDGET
The proposed consolidated budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 amounts to $11,759,000. This amount includes $9,709,000 from the Joint Resolution - General Fund, $2,049,000 from State Special Funds and $1,000 in Federal Funds.
Operational Expenses reflect a decrease of $1,272,000 when compared to funds assigned in fiscal year 2011-2012 due to the implementation of an early retirement incentive program.
Contributing federal funds include the Consumer Product Safety Commission where the commission reimburses the agency for incurred evaluation costs.
State Special Funds are assigned through the following legislation related to the Cost and Honorary Fees, Contractor's Registry, Interests and Consigned Funds and the Horizontal Property Act, which established that revenue received from the inscription of condos, become part of the State Special Fund. In addition, this fund includes resources from the printing of laws and regulations and revenues from fees and penalties.
SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES
| Consolidated Budget (thousands $) |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
| Program |
|
| Operational Expenses |
Actual |
Actual |
Budget |
Proposed |
| Citizen orientation against obscenity and child pornography on radio and television |
0 |
129 |
116 |
141 |
| Consumer Services in Regional Offices |
9,417 |
8,552 |
8,807 |
6,884 |
| Fight Against Television Violence |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| General Management and Administration |
1,527 |
1,636 |
2,170 |
1,498 |
| Internal Resources Management |
2,563 |
2,149 |
3,016 |
3,235 |
| Subtotal, Operational Expenses |
13,508 |
12,467 |
14,110 |
11,759 |
| Total, Program |
13,508 |
12,467 |
14,110 |
11,759 |
| |
| Funding Sources |
|
| Operational Expenses |
|
| Joint Resolution - General Fund |
4,003 |
1,802 |
10,981 |
9,709 |
| Local Stabilization Fund |
7,823 |
8,623 |
0 |
0 |
| Federal Grants |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| State Special Funds |
1,681 |
2,041 |
3,128 |
2,049 |
| Subtotal, Operational Expenses |
13,508 |
12,467 |
14,110 |
11,759 |
| Total, Funding Sources |
13,508 |
12,467 |
14,110 |
11,759 |
| |
| Expense Category |
|
| Operational Expenses |
|
| Payroll and Related Expenses |
11,331 |
9,903 |
9,521 |
8,050 |
| Rent and Utilities |
646 |
719 |
1,783 |
1,811 |
| Purchased Services |
582 |
652 |
834 |
388 |
| Donations, Subsidies, and Distributions |
30 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Transportation Expenses |
287 |
254 |
287 |
269 |
| Professional Services |
328 |
530 |
935 |
837 |
| Other Expenses |
119 |
160 |
407 |
208 |
| Equipment Purchases |
55 |
154 |
167 |
122 |
| Office Supplies and other Materials |
102 |
81 |
128 |
59 |
| Advertising and Media Expenses |
28 |
14 |
48 |
15 |
| Subtotal, Operational Expenses |
13,508 |
12,467 |
14,110 |
11,759 |
| Total, Expense Category |
13,508 |
12,467 |
14,110 |
11,759 |
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