Previous Story
DPS Jailhouse makes over 60 ‘arrests’
|
Posted on May 17 2012
Department of Public Safety officers “arrested” over 60 persons for their Jailhouse Lockdown fundraiser yesterday but failed to catch their No. 1 target: Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
“We tried to arrest Governor Fitial, but we failed to find him. Even his driver was not answering his phone,” a beaming police officer told Saipan Tribune at 4:45pm.
By that time, the 2012 Police Week Jailhouse Lockdown has already netted 63 persons, including lawmakers, Cabinet members, businessmen, reporters, and other prominent community members. An estimated $4,500-plus was raised. The event started at 8:30am and finished at 7pm.
Police officers tried to “arrest” Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos but, as he is on sick leave, Inos sent on his behalf his daughter, Christine, to the Jailhouse.
The minimum bounty was $25. The arrestees had to match the bounty in order to bail themselves out of jail, which was located at the Spring Plaza parking area in Gualo Rai.
The bigger the bounty amount means the bigger the bail.
The arrested persons—who were incidentally all smiles—were booked, photographed, and made to wear inmate shirts for their bail hearings.
Former lawmaker and DPS commissioner Claudio K. Norita served as the bail hearing judge.
After the hearing, the arrestees were treated to barbecue and drinks, and then released.
Police officer Adrian Mendiola said all proceeds will be used to pay for the various expenses related to the Police Week celebration, DARE, and other DPS community programs.
“We had a good response. Positive attitude, all in good laughter,” said Mendiola who is chairman of the Police Week celebration.
Mendiola said the Jailhouse Lockdown generated community involvement as arrestees who failed to pay the bail called their friends, officemates, and family members to bail them out.
“Everybody’s in compliance. We would like to thank the people for supporting this event,” he added.
Jailhouse Lockdown was first conducted in 2010 as part of Police Week celebration.
