DPS has 31 new police officers

He will never forget the number of troubles he’s been through during his younger days and Police Officer Frank Santos says he would like to use his experience as an example when he gives advise to kids he would meet as he goes on patrol.

Mr. Santos one of the 31 new police officers who graduated Friday’s 17th Cycle of the Police Academy. “I want to help the teenagers by giving them advice, why they should not destroy their lives,” he says.

It was a dream come true for Police Officer Jesse Angui who has always wanted to become a policeman. Mr. Angui, who worked for Continental Airlines in the ticketing office for five years, gave up a high salary plus a lot of benefits.

“I will be getting half of what I used to receive. But who cares, this is what I have always wanted to do,” he says.

After four years as Corrections Officer, Lucia Rirou says she is now looking forward to her new role. “I felt I wanted to do something different and get to know the other members of the DPS family,” she says.

Class Salutatorian Barbara Cacho has always considered Tinian her home but has to travel off island most of the time. With her decision to join the police force on Tinian island, she will definitely be staying for good now. Only two women attended this year’s police academy class.

Anthony Deleon Guerrero Campos has been with the U.S. Army for a long time until an opportunity came up for him to join the police. “I’m looking forward to starting a new career, serve and protect the community,” he says.

Asked about his achievement as the Class Valedictorian, Mr. Campos immediately brushed it aside and says there are just as many deserving people in his batch.

And what has he learned in class that he will never forget? Says Mr. Campos: “I always have to make sure that I protect myself from possible legal liabilities. I would say it is something that I should watch for than physical harm.”

Vincent (Boki) Babauta was pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration in Criminal Justice when he decided to drop it temporarily and attend the Police Academy.

He was the Top Cadet of the Cycle and Most Physically Fit. Asked if he is not scared to run after criminals, Mr. Babauta admits that he is nervous to face the real world. “But I am confident that with what I learned from the staff, I will be able to do my job well and contribute something good to the community,” he says.