DPS concerned with illegal handguns

The unknown number of illegal and unlicensed handguns out on the streets in the CNMI is a major concern for the Department of Public Safety, as unlicensed handguns pose a great risk to the life of law enforcers and residents, according to DPS Commissioner Robert Guerrero.

That’s why the administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres is investing more in the safety of all law enforcers, most especially police officers that are on duty or patrolling the streets. Guerrero and other DPS personnel presented to Torres the first batch of new bulletproof vests that will be issued to their police officers.

“It is the number of illegal handguns that is our biggest concern at DPS. Those handguns that are out on the streets, that is one reason why the governor pushed for these vests. These vests can protect our officers from handguns,” said Guerrero in Wednesday’s presentation at the Governor’s Office conference room.

Torres said the vests would give roving police officers extra protection when they are on patrol, whether on foot or using their vehicles. “It is for their safety and protection whenever they go out and work. These vests would protect them if there are any untoward incident,” said Guerrero

He said although officials don’t want any shooting incidents to happen in the CNMI, the vests are for precautionary measures. “We want to make it as strict as possible, the application for handguns. In case there are incidents where they are being shot at. In any event, they have something to protect them.”

Guerrero said they were also expecting a lot of applications for licenses to own handguns by private individuals after the U.S. District Court for the NMI early this year declared as unconstitutional the CNMI’s gun control law that prohibits residents from possessing handguns for self-defense purposes.

“Contrary to what we expected…that there would be an increase in the applications for permit to own handguns, there are only six applicants so far,” Guerrero said.

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security bought 160 vests through federal funds and donated 10 extra vests to DPS. The vests were issued yesterday to police officers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The vests cost about $100,000 in all.

Customs officials, the ports police, Fish and Wildlife personnel, and CNMI Judiciary marshals would also get bulletproof vests.

Guerrero said they also have seven new patrol cars with eight more that were ordered. Rota DPS will get two vehicles while Tinian DPS will buy their vehicles since they have their own funds. “The new vehicles are in line with the governor’s efforts to improve public safety.”

“There are more in the works as far as protecting our police officers [is concerned]. We can live even with limited resources but the governor is supporting what DPS needs.”