by Nick Delgado

Guam - Legislation has been introduced establishing qualifications for the Department of Corrections' director. While the agency director is appointed by the governor, law enforcement oversight chair Senator Adolpho Palacios says requirements need to be set in place so the director is held to a higher standard. Bill 110 requires the appointee have an associate's and bachelor's degree in criminal justice, penology public administration or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Additionally, the appointee must have no criminal or misdemeanor convictions on his record, submit to and pass a drug test, polygraph examination as well as a thorough background investigation.

While DepCor director Jose San Agustin says he has yet to review the bill, he does say it sounds favorable, telling KUAM News, "It is very vital that an individual coming in on this kind of profession fulfills an honest position, education is key, experience is key, combination of those is also very key, as far as testing that's also vital and very important."

San Agustin says he will work with the senator to ensure he meets requirements of the proposed legislation. In the meantime, Palacios adds he is working on similar legislation for the Guam Fire Department. The measure he says provides a better chance for the government to hire for the director position from within the department in the future.