Guthertz backs bill to let GPD hire lawyer

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Discussions on session floor moved to Bill 271, which would repeal current law that gives the Guam Police Department the authority to hire an attorney.  Instead, the money appropriated to the agency for its legal counsel would be transferred to the Attorney General's Office to identify a qualified individual to represent the legal needs of the police force.

Senator Judi Guthertz testified in support of the measure, saying there has been evidence in recent weeks of questionable legal advice being given to officers.  "I believe it's time madam speaker for the Attorney General's Office to have more oversight with respect to how legal services are executed and performed particularly on behalf of the line departments of this government."

Some senators said they support the idea of the Attorney General's Office working closely with police officers on criminal cases to provide legal advice as well as training on laws to help the force.