Pay hike for DPS officers pushed
Acting Department of Public Safety commissioner Anthony Macaranas says that, once his appointment is confirmed, his first order of business is to look for ways to increase the salaries of police officers.
CNMI police officers continue to put up with the low salaries because of their commitment to the community they are protecting, Macaranas said.
Because of this dedication, he said, his first act in office when confirmed by the Senate to serve as DPS’ new commissioner will be to fight for salary increases for police officers.
“One of the issues that I look forward to tackling is re-examining the salary of police officers. Across the United States, this police department is the lowest paid, but because of our officers’ commitment to doing the job, they continue to put in the effort by showing up to work and doing what they need to do. As a leader, I need to fight to provide [officers] with extra incentives that continue to encourage them to come in. Also, I want to make [officers’] salaries attractive so we can continue to hire people,” he said.
In addition, Macaranas said he is looking at finding ways to implement hazard pay for police officers.
“The police officers’ role in the community is very critical. They are confronted with different scenarios out there. If other agencies are given benefits like hazardous pay, that’s something I want to provide for the officers on top of their salaries,” he said.
Also, Macaranas said once he is officially DPS commissioner, promotions within the department will be forthcoming.
“I need to secure funding first. If promotions come…it means more work for these officers…so of course it comes with a salary increase. I want to make sure these officers are given the salary to match to motivate them to continue to do the job and to entice others to move up the ranks,” he said.
As for his confirmation itself, Macaranas said he has not been given a date yet, but he is looking forward to it.
“I’m so thankful to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang for nominating me to be the next commissioner for this department. I know there’s going to be a lot of challenges I’m going to face, but I will work diligently with my command staff and…with the governor to let him know…what things I need to continue to run this department. As for the date of my confirmation, I haven’t been given a date yet but hopefully soon,” he said.
Macaranas was named acting DPS commissioner after former commissioner Clement Bermudes was asked to resign.
Anthony I. Macaranas
Anthony Macaranas
