Crimestoppers recommends funded position

by Lannie Walker

Guam - Several bills related to improving the quality of education went up for a public hearing today, including Bill 177, which would create a "Safe Schools Program" or "School Crimestoppers" program. The legislation was introduced in light of the recent rash of burglaries and vandalism at island schools.   

Cynthia Jackson Blas is the president of Guam Crimestoppers, which is in support of the bill, but recommends several changes. The first of which would be for the Guam Legislature to create a legislatively funded Guam Crimestoppers coordinator position within the Guam Police Department. Blas said, "It is a make-or-break element in the program. Many of us can go back in our memories where we remember Sergeant Phil Dennis - he was the face of Crimestoppers at that time and that has set the standard for this program.

"Throughout the years and of no fault of the police chiefs because hey have so many mandates funded or unfunded and with the shortness of resources it has just made it much more difficult to have a dedicated Crimestoppers coordinator because there's more priority for other things."

Blas stressed the position must be filled by a police officer with a rank of lieutenant or higher as recommended by the Guam Police Department.