A group of officers from across Guam's law enforcement agencies just completed a demanding and highly-requested tactical tracker training course.

Over the course of one intense week, these officers learned the art, and the science, of tracking. From fugitive manhunts to search and rescue missions, tactical tracking is a vital tool in the field.

Park Police Chief Joey Terlaje was the instructor for the training and explained how the program came to be.

“It actually started when I was working for the Superior Court of Guam assigned to the marshals training and staff development section, at the time the administrator of the courts was the Lt. Governor of Guam now, when I made the request to conduct the training, he always mentioned to proceed with the training and extend the invitation to the law enforcement agencies on the island. His goal was to always have that collaboration and team building in the best interest of community safety,” said Terlaje.

Participants came from the Guam Police Department, Department of Corrections, and Customs and Quarantine Agency. All learning techniques that demand not only physical endurance but also incredible mental focus.

Key skills emphasized during the training?

Noise discipline, attention to detail, strong communication, and perhaps most importantly teamwork rooted in mutual respect.

“The biggest take away through my observation as instructor is the team building. They are able to perform together in a tactical tracking environment and they are able to observe the signs left behind by the bad guy, interpret the signs of the bad guy, and work together toward the common goal in making that apprehension,” added Terlaje.

Tactical tracking is not just a specialized skill, it’s a life-saving discipline. And now, thanks to this intensive training, Guam's law enforcement officers are better prepared than ever to protect and serve.

Department of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Warren Pelletier said that training such as this is critical

“Recently we had the Talofofo incident when they were trying to track throughout the jungle to locate this individual. This is a prime example of why this training is really important,” said Pelletier.

Training that was made possible by, as Terlaje said, “The Governor, Lt. Governor, for their leadership and support I also want to recognize the Department of Parks and Recreation for their support and guidance.”