Number of arrests increased by 30 percent-Mafnas

 As of yesterday, the Department of Public Safety had 10,561 misdemeanor and felony cases on its caseload, with the number of incarcerations and arrests seeing an “unprecedented” increase of 30 percent in the last few months, according to Commissioner Ray Mafnas.

Speaking at the Rotary Club of Saipan general membership meeting yesterday, Mafnas disclosed that the DPS handles about 40 complaints or calls everyday, processes five to nine arrestees, and investigates seven to 10 crimes.

With only 13 detectives on its roster, Mafnas said the agency plans to use “new technology” through a database and case management systems.

Mafnas said plans are underway to find a vendor that would provide these services, which will allow them to better handle their workload problem.

“It has to be procured and implemented. That is furiously underway. We are diligently pursuing all avenues to implement this before summer next year,” Mafnas said.

Another project in the works, he said, is putting together a “reserve police force” who will be “trained and certified and expected to work at least eight hours per month.” “We can certify them and this will augment the financial limitations that we are currently facing today in the Commonwealth.”

Mafnas noted that community policing is one of the important pillars of policing, along with human resources, financial resources, and physical resources.

“Community policing is the only way to successfully provide excellent police services to our community. In other words, community partnership is inseparable from successful policing,” he said.

In support of this community partnership, Mafnas said they plan to have a police foundation that will provide assistance and support to DPS.

“This will be strictly managed outside of the police department by non-police officers or anyone associated with any law enforcement organization,” he said.

‘Changing’ and ‘costly’

Mafnas emphasized that the face of policing in the CNMI is changing amid the cultural and ethnic diversity on the islands.

“The Commonwealth state police division is changing. It will never be the same again because the changes must come as a result of fast-changing social, economic, and political landscape,” he said.

Mafnas also noted that the rising number of incarcerations is “costly” as this means an increase in expenses for feeding, providing clothing, and other needs to those incarcerated.