Budget cut worries DPS

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Charles W. Ingram, Jr. yesterday lamented the recent budget cut implemented by the Senate for Fiscal Year 2001 appropriation saying it will have significant impact on police operations.

The Senate last Wednesday cut further the DPS budget giving it only $13.59 million for FY 2001, which was only a little higher than the $12.65 million appropriation for FY 2000 under continuing resolution.

Originally DPS was seeking $29 million for FY 2001 to cover acquisition of new equipment, maintenance cost and implementation of programs aside from the operational budget.

DPS will open Kagman and San Roque sub-stations next year which will be needing fire apparatus, equipment for firefighters, full time personnel to man the station and money for the staff training.

Due to limited funding for the past two fiscal years, DPS has been having problems with its fuel cost alone. “When we are denied fuel, it hampers our response and it adds up to our problems thereby affecting our main job to provide vital services to the community,” Mr. Ingram said.

In FY 1999, DPS had problems meeting its fuel needs as a result of the budget cut. The department has already spent the money for the first quarter of FY 2001 to pay for the last quarter’s gas.

With very little money for operations, Mr. Ingram said criminal investigation could be jeopardized due to lack of funds. “They want DPS to fly but they don’t want to give us wings,” he said.

Mr. Ingram noted that the budget cut came two months after the Senate passed a resolution urging Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to take immediate action in addressing the crime problem in the CNMI for the safety of the visitors and local residents.

The resolution was passed after the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory declaring the CNMI as an unsafe destination for their citizens due to rising criminality on the island.

DPS has already created a bike patrol in Western Garapan area to deter crimes by increasing police presence in the tourist district. Police officers have been detailed in Marpi, Bird Island, Grotto and Obyan — areas which are frequented by tourists.

DPS has commended the Marianas Visitors Authority for providing assistance to the agency especially on training activities which the police extremely needs. But with the budget cut on MVA, Mr. Ingram expressed concern that the assistance given by the tourism agency to the police may be scrapped. (Lindablue F. Romero)