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Corrections is at 66 percent capacity—Guerrero
The CNMI’s Department of Corrections is working at 66 percent capacity, but can still function to accommodate the department’s requirements, said acting Corrections commissioner Robert A. Guerrero.
Robert Guerrero is surrounded by Corrections officers during a Senate hearing on Guerrero’s appointment as Department of Corrections commissioner. (Joel D. Pinaroc)
He also disclosed that, like any other agency, the department needs more funding to address some concerns.
Guerrero, who was on Capital Hill for a public hearing on his nomination as the new Corrections commissioner, said the “biggest challenge” that he will face, if and when he gets confirmed, is still funding.
One project that he mentioned was setting up a law enforcement academy to fulfill the deficiency in the department’s manpower.
“We are planning to start a law enforcement academy, with the Department of Public Safety, to hopefully add 30 more officers,” Guerrero said, adding that “this costs money, but somehow we’ve got to do it.”
The additional 30 officers can bring the Corrections manpower complement to almost full capacity, Guerrero said, noting that the department currently has around 60 officers for 185 inmates.
“There a lot of good officers at the DOC, and a lot of good working men and women,” Guerrero said.
However, he said the officers have to work overtime to accommodate the department’s requirements. “One issue is that if we let them work overtime for long periods of time, they might get burned out,” Guerrero said.
He also said there is a plan for the DOC to share resources with the Department of Public Safety. An arrangement can be made so that counselors working for DPS can also work for Corrections.
“We plan to work closely with the DPS, and share resources,” Guerrero said, adding that Corrections can still maintain its functions because it has state-of-the-art facilities and good management.
Guerrero succeeded Ramon Mafnas, who is now a special assistant for projects for the government.
