For the first time in more than two decades, the Guam Police Department has a civilian public information officer. Former University of Guam program director Norman Analista has taken up the role.

There’s a new face at GPD, as Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio said Analista is the first civilian to take on the role in over twenty years, since former GPD PIO Elizabeth Gray in the 1990s. "The role just became filled by police officers, who have done an amazing job considering that police officers are trained in law enforcement and not trained in media," he said.

Analista himself said, "I recall working with Liz in the 90s when I was a reporter myself. And I had thought to myself back then, I wonder what it’d be like to have her job. So it’s interesting how this has come full circle for me. I’m eager to work with Officer [Berlyn] Savella as we think about how we will transition some of these tasks. I’m also excited to provide different perspectives on how we can provide community outreach. There’s certainly so many wonderful things taking place in the police department. In just the two days, I’ve seen that I’m going to be very, very busy."

The chief says having 'a civilian in a civilian job' is critical for the police department. "We wanted to make sure that our officers are doing the work of police officers because we need more police officers out in the street, we need more police officers in our investigative units. So when the transition finally occurs, that will free up Officer Savella to return back into her role as a police officer," he said.

He also hopes the new PIO will utilize social media as a tool to communicate with the public more quickly during traffic incidents.