GPD to address progress, problems during public safety hearing

Drugs, robberies, and staffing--the Guam Police Department has a full plate of topics to discuss during a round table before the legislative public safety committee Friday afternoon. 

Police Chief Stephen Ignacio will speak on the recent robbery cases they were able solve, along with what he tallied to be 200 pounds of meth his officers were able to take off the streets in the past couple of years. 

"One of the things we need to point out to the legislature is we know you hear about the major drug dealers, but just like any of the investigations it takes time to connect all the dots," he said. "Throughout my career, we’ve taken at least five major drug dealers on the island."

Ignacio said the biggest challenge continues to be the hiring of new officers.

He notes they've had about a thousand respond to the job openings, but the number of applicants drop significantly due to applicants not following up, or finding a job elsewhere, along with a 52 percent fail rate by those who take the test. 

The round table hearing will be held at the Guam Congress Building at 2 p.m. tomorrow.