He said a draft executive order is now ready to merge both departments, but the administration may prefer to let it happen through a bill passed by lawmakers.
Because the executive order takes a while for the merger to take effect, they might as well recommend a draft bill that any lawmaker can introduce, he added.
If the bill does not go through, Inos said, “we will go with the executive order.”
Corrections used to be a DPS division but it became a separate department in 2004 by virtue of a law signed by then-Gov. Juan N. Babauta.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has said that the merger of both departments will “create a positive impact on the CNMI government” as it will reduce its costs and “guarantee” more efficient operations.
Ramon C. Mafnas is the current DPS and Corrections commissioner.
Inos also raised the idea of merging small offices like Carolinian Affairs and Indigenous Affairs with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Right now, he said, “that is a working progress, too and we’d also like it to be through legislation.”
