Castro’s removal, other changes explained

The transfer of police director Greg Castro to the Department of Corrections was done with Castro’s knowledge, according to Department of Public Safety commissioner Rebecca Warfield.

“He [Castro] knew all of this was pending over a month ago. So he actually worked with me to try to find someone who would be able to do his job. And he was willing to train that person,” said Warfield during a news briefing yesterday, during which she explained Castro’s replacement and disclosed other changes in the department.

Warfield said that Castro even worked last week with the now acting police director Capt. Pete Guerrero to make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible.

Castro’s last day of office at DPS was on Friday. Effective Monday he assumed the position as director of Corrections, replacing acting director John Ayuyu, who is now the assistant chief of Corrections.

Warfield disclosed that it was actually DOC Secretary Ramon Mafnas who asked for Castro.

The commissioner said she resisted for a long time until finally granting the request.

“It took me a month and a half and finally granted the request because we have to work as a unit, all the different agencies in the administration have to work as a team…,” she said.

The main reason for Castro’s transfer is because DOC needed his expertise, she stressed.

“The federal judge handed down a consent decree and he [Castro] is assisting them [DOC] in complying with the consent decree because that is his true area of expertise. He came to DPS from DOC,” Warfield said.

She said it is a pleasure working with Castro.

“When I first came on board it was my understanding that director Castro might be needed at the DOC to assist in their consent decree,” the commissioner said.

Warfield said she felt that there was a need for a smooth transition when she came to DPS.

“Since I was not previously a part of DPS, I needed to work with someone who was previously a part of DPS but with good strong work ethic and understanding of the department,” she said. The commissioner said Castro was that person.

“So we set out in the beginning, knowing that it is possible that Director Castro would eventually go to the DOC. And his transfer was based on which agency needed him most,” she said.

Meanwhile, Warfield announced that the Office of Grants and Special Programs is no longer in Garapan, but has moved to the DPS main headquarters in Susupe.

With the transfer of the office, she said, DPS would no longer carry the expenses of the Garapan location.

She also disclosed that effective immediately, Sgt. Joaquin Salas would be the acting patrol commander.