Manglona: For the children and the CNMI

While growing, Police Officer I Jarrod T. Manglona was greatly influenced by his older brothers and many other male relatives who were law enforcers.

“I guess being an officer is in my blood,” he said. “Almost every male member of my family was a cop, and the influence and pride they bestowed upon me made me want to be one of them.”

Manglona enrolled in the Police Academy just months after graduating from Rota High School. He was sworn into the position in 1999.

“Since freshman year in high school, I felt that I wanted to be an officer,” he said. “I grew up idolizing my brothers, who were top cops on Rota.”

Manglona said that, although the job has its share of danger, he enjoys it and views it as a way to feel a sense of security for his children.

“I wouldn’t trade it, even for a chance at playing in the NBA,” he said. “My kids are my inspiration. I’m not doing this for me, but for them. I see it as a way for me to play an active role in trying to keep a safe place for them for grow up in. The island is beautiful and we live in paradise. So I look at it as doing my part in trying to keep it that way.”

The 24-year-old Manglona, who works the DUI shift (night hours), said that, although he is sometimes at the receiving end of negative remarks or actions, he tries to keep a professional perspective.

“I get to meet different people and the workload is very diverse. Of course I receive negative comments, but when I arrest someone for driving under the influence, although the person may get angry, I think of it as saving his life and the life of others, whose safety on the road is being threatened. The driver goes home late because of being in jail, but at least he is alive and gets to go home.”

Manglona said one key philosophy he found vital on the job is respect.

“You give respect, and then you get respect. The guy you arrest will most likely be angry, but once you show respect and explain the reason for him being arrested and he understands it, in turn you get respect also.”

Manglona commended his fellow officers in the Traffic Section for “sticking together.”

“The guys are great,” he said. “Traffic Section is such a close-knit section. We count on one another. They count on me and I count on them.”

Manglona thanks his family for their support throughout his career in the force.

“I would like to thank my wife, kids, and my family in Rota,” he said. “Without them, I would not be where I am at now. My wife and kids have been very loving. The love is always there when I get home from a long shift, and that gives me a reason to make it through the night.”