If the current trend continues, the total inmate population in the CNMI is estimated to double in the next four to five months, according to acting Corrections commissioner Vincent Attao yesterday.<\/p>\n
Attao, who has been DOC commissioner since late May, said the inmate population was a little over 160 in February this year. Now, Attao estimates that there are about 250 to 270 inmates.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn just the past four to five months we saw an increase,\u201d said Attao, adding that the number of inmates vary all the time. \u201cIt\u2019s just been a few months and we are already at the 250 mark.\u201d <\/p>\n
The department currently has 111 Corrections officers. Attao wishes to increase that number in fiscal year 2018. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking to recruit\u2026at least an additional 18 officers,\u201d said Attao during yesterday\u2019s House Ways and Means Committee budget hearing. The additional number is not certain due to a lot of possible interferences such as dismissals. \u201cWe are hopeful that we are at least going to be in that range,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In total, the Department of Corrections is asking for a budget of $7.2 million for fiscal year 2018, while Gov. Ralph DLG Torres proposes a DOC budget of just $5.3 million.<\/p>\n
Committee chair Angel Demapan (R-Saipan) said there are disputed utility bills that are currently being looked at by DOC. <\/p>\n
Demapan also added that there is an additional $300,000 in professional services, which include counselors, physicians, nurses, and the like for the inmates. DOC currently lacks an in-house counselor and physicians and nurses.<\/p>\n
Demapan said the rapid increase in the number of inmates is a \u201ccause for concern.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the increase of inmates and the lack of manpower, Demapan described DOC as \u201cdoing well as a facility.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have had no escapes to report for this year and the previous,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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