Babauta proclaims Probation and Parole Officers Week

Gov. Juan N. Babauta made it official yesterday morning, signing the proclamation declaring the week of July 18-24 as CNMI Probation and Parole Officers Week at the CNMI Supreme Court.

According to the proclamation, probation and parole officers are dedicated law enforcement officers essential to the Criminal Justice System, and are charged with the duty and responsibility of supervising adult and juvenile offenders in the CNMI. (Cassie Dlg Fejeran)

Babauta underscored the value of the services rendered by probation and parole officers to the community.

“They help by ensuring offenders stay on the right track and discouraging them from committing further offences and by helping rehabilitate people who have committed offenses in the past,” he said.

Babauta acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the probation and parole officers, saying not everyone is cut out for this kind of work.

“It takes a strong sense of pride and willingness to protect our community and the ability to work night and day when the need arises and a commitment to helping people. It is an extremely tough job especially in a small community like ours,” he said.

“Our judicial system relies on these officers to help them understand the offender by giving them all the background that they need and to make sure the offender’s actions are tracked once they are released back to society. Their workload is heavy but their sense of duty is strong. They relieve pressure from the Department of Public Safety by working closely with them to safeguard our community,” Babauta added.

Chief Justice Miguel Demapan also shared the importance of these men and women, saying their duties and responsibilities are not just to simply monitor criminal offenders but to also allow these offenders a chance to reform and rejoin the community.

“In other words, our officers, our policemen, they’re teachers, psychologist, and counselors with one thing in mind—to keep criminals off the streets and also make these people become productive members of our society, “ he said.

Also on hand for the ceremony were the CNMI adult and juvenile probation officers, parole officers, the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, Bishop Thomas Camacho, Fr. Patrick Garcia, community service providers, and members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.