Mafnas: I depart with a deep sense of accomplishment

Citing the federal court’s termination last year of the consent decree that resolved prison conditions in the Commonwealth, Ramon C. Mafnas said yesterday he departs as commissioner of the Department of Corrections “with a deep sense of accomplishment.”

In a statement, Mafnas said it is a privilege and honor to serve at the pleasure of past and present governors and lieutenant governors as both co-coordinator of the U.S.-CNMI consent decrees since 2006 and DOC commissioner since 2010.

Mafnas extended his gratitude for the privilege and honor to serve Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres and the people of the Commonwealth.

“It has always been my desire to promote professional standards, performance and efficiency in all things that I am assigned to carry out and or oversee,” he said.

The Inos-Torres administration has accepted Mafnas’ resignation as DOC chief.

Mafnas thanked the officers and staff at Corrections for their “service, dedication, and loyalty” to the department and to the people of the CNMI.

“It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that the health, nutrition, safety, and security of all inmates and detainees and officers and staff meet national standards in providing housing, care, discipline, training, and treatment that meet constitutional standards,” he said.

On the termination of consent decree in May 2014, Mafnas said they give credit to DOC officers and staff and recognized their contributions for taking on the responsibility in overcoming many challenges to facilitate and achieve compliance of both federal and Commonwealth correctional standards and requirements.

He said CNMI officials must not rest at this juncture and relax the diligence and attention to duty.

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona terminated the 15-year-old consent decree between the CNMI and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The U.S. government sued the CNMI in 1999 over the deplorable conditions of jail facilities. DOJ and the CNMI then entered into a consent decree.

The aims of the consent decree was to improve the conditions of the CNMI’s detention institutions that were deemed to violate the civil rights of those detained at the facilities, and to safeguard against future violations.

Mafnas said more than ever, the joint efforts and mustering of the multitude of material and fiscal assets and human resources require tremendous leadership and cooperation between the administration, the Legislature, and the Judiciary to safeguard the standards of compliance at DOC so that the institution continues to meet or exceed the American Correctional Association requirements.

Mafnas quoted Manglona in describing the efforts and outcomes in the consent decree as “putting the structure in place” necessary to support and carry out the duties and responsibilities of DOC.

“I depart with a deep sense of accomplishment, peace of mind, and relief from such complex and intricate responsibility, knowing that we—my officers and I—have done well for the good of our people and Commonwealth,” he added.

During the administration of then-governor Benigno R. Fitial, Mafnas served as DOC and Department of Public Safety commissioner.

When more than 130 DPS employees petitioned for Mafnas’ removal, Fitial removed him as DPS commissioner but retained his post as DOC commissioner in 2012.