‘Only a few handling 3,200 probation and parole cases’

There is a total of 3,200 probation and parole cases in the CNMI being handled by only 14 case managers and 14 probation and parole officers, according to Adult Probation officer Jose P. Mafnas.

Mafnas noted that with each and every one of these cases, they must consider three key factors during supervision of offenders-public safety, rehabilitation, and legal reporting.

“However, although we are few in number, we have managed to collect at least $200,000 in revenue in fiscal year 2011 alone,” said Mafnas in his remarks during Thursday’s proclamation signing declaring July 15 to 21 as Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week.

He said the theme of the 12th Annual Probation, Parole and Community Supervision is “yesterday, today, tomorrow,” which commemorates the “dynamic nature of our work and reiterates the CNMI community supervision departments’ commitment to serving the people.”

In signing the proclamation, acting governor Eloy Inos urged community corrections professionals to continue doing their best in serving the Commonwealth.

“I salute you all!” Inos said.

CNMI Supreme Court associate justice Alexandro Castro said the economic condition in the CNMI has made the job of law enforcement more difficult.

“Insufficient manpower in both probation and parole to properly monitor and supervise probationers/parolees on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is a fact and not a fiction,” said Castro in his speech during the proclamation signing held in the Supreme Court.

To assist probation and parole officers so that they can focus their energy on the most serious cases such as sexual abuse and violent offenders, Castro suggested enlisting the aid of community volunteers.

Castro said he will soon be asking chief probation officer Ursula I. Lifoifoi Aldan to identify persons whom she believes can be “eyes of the court.”

These volunteers, he said, will look after probationers that are convicted of non-violent offenses.

Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja said that correction officers are entrusted to increase public safety, provide support for victims, facilitate positive change in offenders’ behaviors, and provide for the fair administration of justice.

“Although their numbers are few and resources are limited, these revered officers take great pride in their work and handle their duties with the utmost dignity, which continues to promote our justice system and our well-being,” Naraja said.