The Government of Guam's Fiscal Year 2027 budget season is upon us and line agencies are making their way to the Guam Congress Building to formally submit their requests to lawmakers. Today, the Guam Police Department did just that, sharing improvements to island safety, while emphasizing their ongoing battle to bolster their numbers.

This morning at the People’s House, GPD appeared before lawmakers to formally make their budget request. Department chief Stephen Ignacio and force leadership detailing how officers and civilian staff are working to keep the island safe – all with fewer officers than they say are needed.

“You will see that this small force is being asked to shoulder a massive operational load," the chief said. “We are delivering elite enforcement results. We are also doing so by overextending our personnel.”

During the hearing, GPD requested over $65.9 million, with majority going towards supporting manpower. Even with that level of funding, gaps remain.

The Neighborhood Patrol alone is still short 61 officers. Special Operations currently operates with only 29 officers. And Highway Patrol operates with just 16 officers out of the 30 required by Guam law.

But staffing isn’t the only persistent challenge GPD faces. Inside their DNA Laboratory, outdated systems are slowing the delivery of objective, defensible analysis, and secure evidence management. The lab’s HVAC system, which directly impacts the stability of chemicals, the functionality of certain equipment, and the integrity of forensic’s evidence, needs a full replacement to the tune of $2M.

Chief Ignacio continued, “This limited capacity forces a reactive operational model – prioritizing mandated court requirements over proactive evidence examinations.” He shard, however, that GPD has already submitted an application to the 2026 Community Project Fund for this.

At the same time, the department is seeking to invest in upgrades aimed at improving response and operations — including new patrol vehicles, body cameras, and an upgraded island-wide radio system. Major capital projects are also underway like a new evidence control facility, a substation in Talo’fo’fo’ to improve service to southern residents, and future plans for additional precinct coverage.

Even with those improvements funded through this budget, GPD says having the manpower to back it up would make all the difference. Senator Chris Barnett stating that the public must also be part of the solution to stabilizing numbers – pointing to the GPD's high school outreach programs as an opportunity to introduce tutoring services that focus of assisting potential GPD trainees with preparing for the written test portion of their applications -- an area where many applicants fall short.

“According to DOA, it’s equivalent to about a 10th grade learning level," the chief stated.

Despite those challenges, the department points to progress to bolster their request, like a 43% drop in robberies and a homicide closure rate of 71%, 9.6% above the national average. And beyond enforcement, gpd says prevention is just as critical.

From youth outreach and school partnerships to Neighborhood Watch programs across the island – officers are working to connect with the communities they serve. Because at the heart of today’s hearing isn’t just numbers on a budget sheet – it’s about ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

And that the Guam Police Department has the people and tools it needs to protect and serve.