THE Department of Public Safety has acquired seven police dogs and unveiled a new K-9 facility on Capital Hill Monday.
“The dogs will complement our law enforcement officers out on the field,” DPS Commissioner Robert A. Guerrero said.
“They’re attack dogs, and they will support the frontliners in the fight against crime and illegal drugs,” he added.
Guerrero said five of the police dogs will be assigned to Saipan, and one each to Rota and Tinian.
The DPS K-9 section will have 10 officers, he added.
The police dogs will help police officers apprehend suspects, Guerrero said.
“They can chase and bring down a suspect. They are also tracking dogs that can track suspects or inmates that escaped. They are very well-trained dogs from Florida.”
Guerrero said the police dogs are a breed similar to a German shepherd, and they cost about $15,000 to $20,000 each.
As for the new K-9 facility, Guerrero said the cost of renovating it was below $20,000.
“If I am not mistaken, it used to belong to DPS Narcotics, and then it was abandoned….. This facility was renovated by inmates from [the Department of Corrections], so no labor costs were incurred, but we procured basic materials. We thank Secretary of Finance David Atalig, and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres for giving support whenever we need them.”
He said DPS worked closely with the Office of the Governor and the Department of Finance to complete the project.
As part of National Police Week observance, DPS celebrated a Blue Mass at Mt. Carmel Cathedral on Monday morning, and held a Peace Officers memorial service at its central headquarters in Susupe.
Joining the Department of Public Safety for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at the new K-9 facility on Capital Hill were Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan, who represented the governor, Finance Secretary David Atalig, House Minority Leader Angel Demapan, Rep. Joseph Guerrero, Rep. Joe Flores, Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Joseph Deleon Guerrero, acting Fire Commissioner Jessie Mesa, and other law enforcement officials.
