Torres eyes rehabilitation programs at DOC
Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres wants to transforms DOC to the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation as he presented his initiatives during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting last Wednesday at the Hibiscus Hall of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
Torres said his recent trip to Singapore showed him how critical the community is in helping inmates reintegrate into society.
“We are now taking in the Board of Parole, so we have a centralized approach to integration. We aren’t just working toward improving the safety of our community. We are also working on programs that make inmates more valuable citizens and make their recovery an inevitability rather than wishful thinking.”
Torres said local businesses and organizations have provided mentorship, job training, and ongoing support to inmates. In 2021, Community Outreach Program had 14 inmates complete and pass a construction safety course, while in 2023, COP had nine inmates complete and pass electrical level 1 and 2 courses.
Torres then invited local business leaders to become partners in supporting individuals seeking to reintegrate into the workforce by sponsoring mentorship programs and providing support for skill-building and employment. He said creating and offering new opportunities for those seeking a fresh start are key in the rehabilitation of inmates.
“Today I want to highlight impactful initiatives we have undertaken within our department that not only improve our operations but also reflect our commitment to serving our community,” said Torres.
According to Torres, his leadership philosophy focuses on purpose, vision, collaboration, and learning. He also encourages long-term perspectives, resilience, and adaptability and assured that his department is committed to public safety and fostering legal education.
Other initiative discussed by Torres include revenue-generating activities, grants, cost reduction, a safer community, and a stronger department.
Torres also mentioned that DOC recently secured a $160,000 grant for fiscal year 2025-2026. Called the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program for rehabilitation grant, he said DOC will use the part of the funds to repurpose an unused space at DOC for a treatment program and he is currently working on the staffing of the center.
Meanwhile, Torres explained how they will leverage unused DOC capacity to generate revenue.
“It’s our duty as department heads, leaders, and members within the community to look at all our resources, to find out what’s not being utilized well. DOC has a new space and facilities—330 plus beds for example. We now have a capacity we can fill over 500 inmates,” said Torres.
He is proposing to convert the vacant beds into revenue-generating opportunities by housing inmates from other jurisdictions, potentially generating over $4 million.
“Our current inmate count is approximately 180, we’re not looking to fill those beds (vacant) anytime soon. I can tell you, that no additional utility costs would be incurred, could we turn those beds into revenue? Let’s break it down, 100 inmates would bring $120 a day. If CNMI the brought 100 inmates at $120 a day from other jurisdictions, DOC will see a yearly profit of $4 million,” said Torres.
Moreover, he mentioned various community service projects undertaken by collaborating with different organizations, including cleaning up illegal dump sites and cemeteries and maintaining indigenous sites. Additionally, their outreach program services have been trading for in-kind donations with other government offices.
Sustainability is one of Torres’ core principles and as he discussed the grants and cost reduction, he projected savings of over &1 million in utility costs over 10 years. Their challenge was the high cost of utilities for a 24/7 facility, and his solution was tapping into solar energy.
He said DOC’s 285.60KW Solar Photovoltaics (PV) energy system worth $1.44 million have a projected utility saving costs of 18% per month.
Torres also mentioned establishing a DOC kitchen, as the current catering cost for 180 inmates is roughly $680,000 per year. With its own kitchen, the cost would be $472,000 per year, which would save DOC about $210,000 a year. He added that the kitchen will also allow them to train their inmates in a new trade.
Other than the DOC kitchen, he also presented the State Criminal Alien Alliance Program wherein it has an award of $218,000. He said the SCAAP pays eligible states and units of local government that incur certain costs due to incarcerating “undocumented criminal aliens.”
DOC is also authorized to hire two nurses and has collaborated with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. for the latter to provide a separate room for DOC inmates away from the public.
Lastly, for a safer community and stronger department, Torres discussed its K-9 unit. He said DOC is focusing on deterrence and interdiction to combat drug issues in the prison system. The new K-9 unit was established with training exercises showing how K-9s locate hidden drugs in the visitation areas.
DOC’s $108,000 drone program was also introduced for rapid response in various incidents such as a jailbreak, contraband interdiction, and search and rescue (land or sea).
Torres ended his presentation by expressing his gratitude for the dedication of DOC staff and recognized the importance of building a supportive community.
Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres makes his presentation to members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday at Hibiscus Hall of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
