$1M available to CNMI to improve criminal record keeping

The CNMI Criminal Justice Planning Agency was awarded $1 million in federal funds to improve criminal record keeping, while the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence was awarded $367,379 in federal funds to combat domestic violence.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) also disclosed in his e-kilili newsletter over the weekend that the CJPA is receiving $20,085 to be used in recruiting and retaining qualified attorneys to enhance the criminal justice system in the CNMI.

Sablan, meanwhile, said as of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of four free at-home tests from covidtests.gov.

On the $1-million award to CJPA, Sablan said the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday about the money through the Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 2024 National History Improvement Program Supplemental Funding.

He said the purpose of the funds is to improve the accuracy, utility, and interstate accessibility of criminal history and related records in support of national records systems and their use for name-and fingerprint-based criminal history record background checks.

The delegate said the funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 2022.

Regarding the $367,379 funding to combat domestic violence, Sablan said the Office on Violence Against Women announced Friday of the award, which is made possible through the OVAW Fiscal Year 2024 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program.

He said the funds will go toward helping victims of sexual assault.

On $20,085 funding for attorneys, Sablan said the DOJ announced Wednesday of the award, which is made possible via the Bureau of Justice Assistance fiscal year 2024 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program.

Regarding free at-home COVID-19 tests, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services-Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response, they started shipping tests the week of Sept. 30.

ASPR has underscored the need to have such at-home tests so a person can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower chances of spreading the virus to others.

Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan