Inos: We want to ensure fair investigation

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said yesterday the Fitial administration is concerned about all the allegations being raised against Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ray Mafnas but they want to ensure that each of these allegations are thoroughly and fairly investigated.

Inos said the formal petition signed by 139 Department of Public Safety employees put in writing and “reinforced” concerns about Mafnas that the administration had heard informally.

“I’m saying we’re concerned, even if it’s informal. If there’s an overwhelming concern by the officers at DPS, then we will take some action regardless of whether there’s petition or not. But the petition only reinforces those concerns and so that’s why we take a formal action by relieving Commissioner Mafnas from his official duties just to allow for a more thorough, complete and more objective review of the allegations,” Inos told reporters after he signed four proclamations yesterday morning on Capital Hill.

He reiterated that placing Mafnas on administrative leave does not in any way mean the administration believes the allegations are true; rather, it is to allow the investigative process to start.

“When an individual has been accused of some impropriety and/or inappropriate behavior, the right thing to do would be to remove that individual from the decision-making process so that you could continue to allow the organization to function without the influence of the affected individual and that’s just the way it is. It doesn’t have to be a commissioner for public safety,” Inos added.

The Office of the Attorney General has started reviewing the matter and has sought the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“The only thing we hope and this is for everyone, that the officers, the commissioner himself…we do this thing in the most objective and fair manner because we treat everybody with respect, we treat everybody with fairness, so it’s not one versus another. We gather the facts, validate the facts and then make the best decision,” he said.

Inos signed four proclamations yesterday morning, including one that declared April 2012 Environmental Awareness Month and April 22 CNMI Earth Day.

Division of Environmental Quality director Frank Rabauliman and other DEQ employees witnessed the signing of the proclamation which this year has the theme, “My Air, Your Land, Their Sea. Our Environment.”

Inos also proclaimed April 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Those who attended the proclamation chanted this year’s theme, “It’s time…to talk about it. Connect. Respect. End Sexual Violence,” as they drummed up support for activities and programs that help address sexual violence.