Due to this increase, the Department of Corrections will need more funds to feed those incarcerated, provide them clothing and personal necessities, medical services, nursing care, psychiatric treatment, and other associated costs.
Mafnas said some of the inmates are serving 20 years to life.
On a 24-hour period, DPS responds to 40 complaints or calls; it also processes five to nine arrestees and investigates seven to 10 crimes, he added.
DPS has only 13 detectives to handle the investigations of all the cases, the commissioner said.
Mafnas said to help resolve these cases faster, DPS is looking at installing a “high-tech” database management system.
“We are looking for a vendor to provide such services that will allow us to manage cases, maintain records, evidence names of witnesses, defense attorneys, prosecutors and everything — all in one file so a detective or an office can step up to the plate any time,” he added.
He said they also want to implement the e-ticketing system which allows police officers to pull over vehicles and issue tickets in six to eight minutes.
Mafnas at the same time warned drivers whose registration or insurance have not been renewed to do so now or face heavy penalties.
Security for tourist sites
Mafnas said DPS will also install security cameras throughout the island, at every tourist site and in every village, starting with Garapan.
“These security cameras will be accessible online so that if incidents occur, the cameras can help reveal and identify suspects,” he added.
DPS will video and photograph every single vehicle that enters and exits the Marpi tourist sites, he said.
“There will also be hourly patrols in Marpi,” Mafnas added.
He said that this campaign will continue, and they are just waiting to procure new vehicles to send to the sectors and keep them there to deter crimes and protect lives.
The commissioner likewise noted that Rota and Tinian have very serious problems with drugs.
Mafnas said there is a need to tighten up the screening process of cargo that enters the islands.
“Strict cargo processing will be implemented. The last thing we want is to have ‘ice’ manufactured here,” he added.
