Active probationers decrease in 2014

The total active persons on probation in Superior Court slightly decreased in 2014 as compared to the previous year, according to the CNMI Adult Probation Office’s statistics.

For the year 2014, there were a total of 2,954 active persons on probation, while there were a total of 3,147 in 2013 or a decrease of 6.1 percent. In 2012, there were a total of 3,051 active probationers.

The CNMI Adult Probation Office showed its statistics at a display for the 15th Annual Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Officers’ Week at the CNMI Judicial Complex in Susupe.

Acting governor Ralph DLG. Torres and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro signed on Friday a proclamation declaring July 12 to 18, 2015 as Juvenile and Adult Probation and Parole Supervision Week.

Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo served as the guest speaker at the ceremony held in the CNMI Supreme Court.

Govendo said probation officers, parole officers, and the many others involved in community corrections play an indispensable role in implementing the rule of law.

Govendo said these officers must provide guidance in future conduct to those persons who have been convicted of crimes.

“They must promote the rehabilitation of offenders and monitor the restitution to victims along with other probation terms and conditions,” he said.

Govendo said after a person has pled guilty or has been found guilty by a jury or a judge, the next step is sentencing.

He said most judges ask for a pre-sentence investigative report, which are prepared by the Office of Adult Probation.

Govendo said he usually get a very thorough background of the defendant, including prior acts, if any.

He said he gets a chance to see if the defendant is remorseful and whether he regrets his actions.

Govendo said he asks the probation officer to spend considerable time with the victim to see if the victim has any lingering effects from the crime.

“When all this comes together in the pre-sentence investigative report, I get a better picture of the defendant, victim and crime and it allows me to render a fair sentence,” he said.

Govendo said it is not true like most people believe that the legal process ends in court when a judge pronounces a sentence.

Indeed, he pointed out, most of work starts after the judge has pronounced the sentence as many offenders do not go to jail but are put on probation.

Govendo said when a criminal defendant is on probation or parole, he is serving his sentence in the community without being behind bars, but under the restrictive standards and under the watchful eyes and supervising eyes the probation and parole officers.

Govendo cited that recently people saw the Board of Parole in action dealing with a clemency matter.

“I compliment the board for holding a public hearing and allowing members of the public to offer their opinions,” said Govendo, referring to the pardon hearing for convicted former governor Benigno R. Fitial.

Govendo also noted that when a drug court is finally started to deal with the crystal meth problem, it will be necessary to hire additional probation officers in order to make sure the drug court’s orders are complied with.

The judge said he has confidence that these officers will continue to maintain and even improve their high standards.