by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Lawmakers spent the day in session spending much of their time discussing Bill 466, introduced by Senator Adolpho Palacios. The measure seeks to remove the mandatory requirement of a polygraph examination. Instead it would make the use of that examination an option in the investigation process, and all tests and services would be the responsibility of the appointing authority.

But several lawmakers said they want the requirement to remain in the law as every individual applying to be a police officer is required to submit to and pass a polygraph examination as well. Senator Frank Blas, Jr. said the test provides an extra degree of assurance to the men and women in uniform that the individual being nominated passes muster.

Several amendments were introduced, including one by Senator Judi Guthertz to remove the unclassified deputy chief of police position. Guthertz believes the position is unnecessary as the department already has a police commander- the highest ranking police officer in GPD.

Lawmakers also spent the afternoon discussing Bill 473, which would reprogram money to refurbish school buses and perform preventive maintenance on other school buses.