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Transfer of DPS functions draw more protests
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Posted on May 17 1999
A proposal to transfer some key functions of the Department of Public Safety to mayors has angered a number of officials in the administration and some have called for the resignation of Commissioner Charles Ingram if he insists on pursuing the plan.
“This only reflects that he cannot handle the job,” said a ranking official of the government who declined to be identified.
Tenorio on Friday met with Ingram, but its was not clear whether the police chief received a lashing from the CNMI leader, who previously expressed surprised about news reports attributing such plan to the DPS commissioner.
Ingram made the statement regarding the transfer of police responsibilities to mayors because of the burgeoning tasks of the department. He specifically mentioned that functions like fire fighting, motor vehicle licensing and boating safety will be best island by leaders of island municipalities.
“DPS is so huge now. It’s hard for one man to run it,” Ingram said in past new reports.
But the governor cautioned against approving the proposal, warning of its potential implication on law enforcement. “We have a very limited number of population and we should have a strong police force to protect the community equally,” Tenorio said.
“That is like asking for the abolition of the Department of Public Safety,” another administration source said on condition of anonymity.
But Ingram said in a separate interview Sunday that he mentioned the idea as a matter of “personal opinion” and not an official of the department.
“When I got into office DPS is stiff an non-flexible,” he told a phone interview. “It’s only my opinion.”
He said the controversial proposal was not mentioned during his meeting the governor.
“I support the governor’s position. We’re still providing what we need to provide to the community though we are operating on a tight budget,” Ingram said.
