It was signed with great fanfare as a fix to Guam’s police shortage — but today, Mauleg remains a promise, not a presence on our streets. KUAM News checked-in with the status of the task force.

It was touted as a game-changer for public safety. But nearly a year after Mauleg became law, the multi-agency task force has yet to hit the streets. Many wondering, what is the hold up? December 23, 2024 — dozens of officers packed Adelup to see the governor sign Bill 250 into law.  

The promise: if GPD numbers fell too low, Mauleg would unite law enforcement from 15 agencies to fight crime and stop drugs. But as 2025 winds down — the force still isn’t operational.

Guam Police Chief Stephen Ignacio said, "There is a quite a few things we need to do to stand-up Mauleg.  We dont have office space, we are adding 6-8 people to an existing group of GPD officers. That is more than 10-15 people that need a working space."

The chief says Mauleg has a big problem — no funding and a lack of proper equipment. “I need to find computers. I need to buy phone lines. I need office space. I need cars," he detailed.

Ignacio has the authority to deputize and provide training for the available law enforcement officers from other agencies to include  officers from the Port Authority of Guam and the Guam International Airport Authority, along with Department of Parks & Recreation rangers, would fall under the authority of the police chief. Ignacio hopes to launch the force in four to six months.

But for now, Mauleg remains just a promise — while the island community are still waiting for backup. "I know it is a while," said the chief, "you know, we have to work through the issues, 236

Senator Chris Duenas, who wrote the bill, says the task force is critical to keep criminals off balance.