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Jones wants Corrections, Fire Divisions out of DPS
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Posted on Aug 29 2000
The Committee on Judicial and Governmental Operations is looking at the possibility of passing a legislation that will remove the Divisions of Corrections and Fire under the Department of Public Safety.
Rep. Dino Jones, chair of the committee, said the proposed measure will adopt the system in Guam where the Fire and Corrections were elevated to department level.
The current setup makes it difficult for the commissioner of Department of Public Safety to allocate funds equally among the three divisions since the immediate concern is to provide priority to the Division of Police, he added.
In a recent meeting with Guam Sen. Carlota Leon Guerrero and Guam chief of police, Rep. Jones said there was a suggestion on the possibility of pooling orders for vehicular and other police equipment which will enable both the CNMI and Guam departments to maximize use of their limited funding allocations.
While Rep. Jones recognizes the limitation on the number of departments which must be created, the committee will have to find a way on how to make the necessary changes to ensure efficiency in delivery of service.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jones said he also believes that both the CNMI and Guam should work together in pursuing the 200 Exclusive Economic Zone since it will allow the Northern Marianas to pursue fishery development in the event the garment manufacturers leave the island.
The CNMI has filed a civil suit before the U.S. District Court in July 1997 in connection with the submerged lands and territorial sea legal issues. Sen. Leon Guerrero commended the CNMI for continuing its fight to secure the right to its surrounding ocean water and resources.
During the meeting with Rep. Jones, the Guam senator asked how the Guam government can assist the Northern Marianas in administrative and litigation costs or in providing legal personnel and support.
Sen. Leon Guerrero noted that the success of the CNMI on the EEZ will benefit Guam and other U.S. territories.
