Ayuyu is acting director of Police Division

The Department of Public Safety Police Services Division is under new leadership after a transition phase resulted in Major John M. Ayuyu taking responsibilities as acting director.

According to DPS commissioner Edward Camacho yesterday, Ayuyu will take over the division held by Major Bertha C. Tudela for the past years.

“Major Tudela has been doing a lot for the department, and its just due time for the transition. It is done on a rotational basis,” said the commissioner. Major Ayuyu will now take the helm of the Police [Services Division] and he is challenged to take it all the way to accreditation.”

Camacho said the department has been working on the transition for the past month. It became effective last May 16.

“In no way was this transition done in criticism of the past leadership. It is a step for continuous improvement. I must add that the only thing constant in the department is change. There are a lot of changes and we’ll always have it…but it does not mean the past leadership was not good. The best can be made better.”

The commissioner said Ayuyu has a wealth of experience, adding that he also served as deputy director of Corrections and has taught Criminal Justice at the Northern Marianas College-Rota.

The commissioner also expressed hope that one of the officers with a rank of a major will one day show willingness to take the role as the official director of the division.

“We haven’t had an official director since I entered,” he said. “I also served as director. I was followed by Santiago Tudela and he was followed by Bertha [Tudela].

Col. Santiago F. Tudela is currently the Deputy Commissioner for Operations.

Camacho commended Tudela for her effort and leadership while occupying the position.

“I can’t stress enough the positive contributions Major Tudela has done for DPS,” he said. “She has been involved in updating SOPs, training, and enforcement of policies. I can never fully emphasize her work for the department and I can never be thankful enough.”

Camacho said Tudela will continue to “help” the division, but her role will be based more on policy type.

Since the transition became effective, Tudela has taken up the role of serving as the Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Policy and Legislative Review.

“The transition is always tough, especially when the outgoing commander has the love and passion for the division,” said Camacho. “It’s always hard to let go.”

Both Ayuyu and Tudela could not be reached for comment.