Re-organization
DPS Commissioner Ray Mafnas remarked that the internal re-organization to date is “going well” and that further refinements in personnel and resources will continue into the near future so the departments can “better serve the community.”
In an effort to increase credibility among the public, random drug testing is occurring among staff.
DPS employees who test positive for illegal drugs will undergo substance abuse counseling coupled with employment consequences to address the challenge with a variety of carrot and stick tools.
The objective of the multi-pronged approach is to transition staff back into their full responsibilities after treatment and clean testing.
Fire incidents
There is a reasonable probability that two of the three fires last week are related and DPS’ arson unit and Criminal Investigation Bureau are investigating under this theory with assistance from federal staff of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Fire Chief Thomas Manglona noted, “It’s highly unusual to have a series of fires so close together … we’ve identified ‘persons of interest’ and we will solve this case.”
Commissioner Mafnas made a point of highlighting the department’s appreciation for the assistance provided by other responding agencies such as the Emergency Management Office, the Commonwealth Ports Authority’s firefighter unit, the mayor’s office and the American Red Cross-NMI chapter.
The cost to date for the series of fires and on-going investigations — for all responding agencies’ staff and resources — is about $200,000.
Luhk sisters
As the sisters’ disappearance date passes the six-month mark, DPS currently awaits the results of off-island forensic testing that they hope arrives in the next two weeks.
The DPS investigation, which has cost close to $1 million to date, continues in cooperation with the FBI in regard to identified “person(s) of interest” and Mafnas holds “high hope” that the case will be solved.
Marpi crime
In the very “near” future DPS will deploy both personnel and technology in response to the wave of theft, burglaries and attacks in Marpi.
Two future ‘entry/exit’ points to be staffed by DPS and equipped with $12,000 of portable video and camera equipment will be established to monitor and record vehicle traffic in and out of the area.
The Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas Islands along with other organizations will participate in the program by providing material support and resources.
Concerning arrests of suspects in the Marpi crimes, DPS believes that currently jailed persons — arrested on other charges — may be responsible as crime immediately dropped-off at northern tourism areas after the incarcerations.
Holiday warning & help
DPS has launched its holiday season campaign message to “Celebrate Safely and Responsibly” and warned the public about the dangers and criminal consequences of drinking and driving.
“Let drinkers beware (ESPECIALLY those under 21) that DPS has zero tolerance for any driver caught with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit,” warned Sgt. Anthony Macaranas who leads the campaign against “3-D”: drunk, drugged driving.
For those who need transportation home after celebrating, DPS has organized a volunteer ride program.
Community volunteers who staff the program and use rental cars to pick-up intoxicated residents are available from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily.
The community is encouraged to volunteer as a program driver and to access the free rides home by calling DPS’ non-emergency numbers of 664-9001 or 234-6000.
Santa came early
Saipan’s fire department received two new pumper-trucks last week purchased with funds from the “Assistance to Firefighters” grant.
The $700,000 of new equipment required DPS staff to attend a one-week specialized training course on maintenance and operations at the Florida manufacturing plant.
On-going staff certification for the trucks will continue with off-island trainers scheduled to visit in the coming months.
The “sweet rides” (the driver’s description) are based at the Kagman fire station and the Garapan fire station across from American Memorial Park.
The two new pumper-trucks are not only beautiful to look at but Engines 1 and 2 are environmentally friendly and run on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.
