Anthony I. Macaranas
ANTHONY I. Macaranas told reporters on Tuesday that he will serve “pro bono” as the acting Department of Public Safety commissioner.
“It’s one of those things that I decided to do, just for the love of the work I do, and [to give] back to the community,” said Macaranas, who retired as assistant chief of police in January 2022 after 35 years of serving DPS.
Early this month, Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres announced that Macaranas would be the department’s “pro bono” deputy commissioner.
On Friday, former DPS Commissioner Clement Bermudes resigned as “instructed” by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
In a memorandum on Monday, Palacios designated Macaranas as acting DPS commissioner.
Asked if he intends to serve as “permanent” DPS commissioner, Macaranas said, “That’s the intent, [but] it’s up to the governor. If he will pursue to have me confirmed, then I’m willing to serve.” Macaranas’ appointment will require the consent of the Senate.
He said his priorities are solving the still active double homicide case as well as addressing sexual assault of a minor cases and the manpower issues of DPS.
He said he cannot divulge any information about active cases.
“What I can say is [investigation] is still in progress — we are not stopping,” Macaranas added.
“Right now, I will be meeting with police commanders to understand where we’re at … [on] manpower issues especially for the frontline officers. … [I want] to know where some changes are needed and make some adjustments so that I can [provide] the manpower [that] the community needs and what other services the department can offer,” he added.
He said at the Department of Corrections, “My intention was to help with the mountain of consistent problems there from manpower to inmate issues, to facility issues … but now that that I’m here [at DPS I will] continue to carry out what the previous commissioner had left and see what other issues need to be done.”
Macaranas is asking for the community’s patience and continued collaboration in helping to fight crime.
He also encourages members of the public to approach and get to know their police officers.
