Previous Story
Ingram’s proposal draws flak from governor
|
Posted on May 11 1999
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio is unlikely to support a proposal that would transfer to local mayors some key functions of the Department of Public Safety, saying such plan is not suited for a small community like the Northern Marianas.
Public Safety Commissioner Charles Ingram has put forward the proposal in an attempt to unburden DPS with duties which he said could be taken care of by leaders of island municipalities.
Ingram is looking at unloading the department of the responsibilities of ensuring boating safety, motor vehicles administration and fire fighting because of limited manpower.
“DPS is so huge now, it’s hard for one man to run it,” Ingram previously told the media.
However, the governor said such proposal was never brought to his attention by the DPS commissioner. “I was surprised to hear that plan. That issue was never discussed with my office.”
Tenorio cautioned against rushing with the transfer of some DPS functions to municipal leaders because of its potential implication on law enforcement.
“It’s good for big countries where there are big cities and big population. We have a very limited number of population and we should have a strong government public safety so all the islands will be protected equally,” the CNMI leader explained.
He raised apprehension that putting some functions under the jurisdiction of mayors may lead to different laws and enforcement procedures that could jeopardize public safety.
