Calls for more police presence in one of Guam’s fastest-growing villages are growing louder. GPD and village leaders say Yigo needs its own precinct, and now they’re pushing lawmakers to make it happen.

From rising crime to rapid growth — Yigo is changing. But one thing hasn’t: it still doesn’t have its own police precinct. Guam Police Department Chief Stephen Ignacio said,"Yigo in particular is one of the fastest-growing villages on the island. Yet it remains underserved by current police coverage. The Dededo Precinct which currently serves Yigo is stretched thin. Managing a high demand service area, without the capacity to fully meet the evolving needs of the region."

Under Bill 51, introduced by Sen. Shawn Gumataotao, GPD would take control of two acres along Marine Corps Drive to finally build a dedicated precinct — right next to the GAIN Animal Shelter.

Yigo mayor Frances Lizama told KUAM News, "We’ve relied on a koban in the past. Response time is a concern. Police presence is lacking, and crime rates have risen and continue to rise. We need a precinct to brindge these gaps. — but that’s no longer enough. Our people deserve more. This will increase trust between residents and law enforcement."

In 2024 alone, GPD received over 31,000 calls for service. Almost 9,000 came from just Dededo and Yigo — nearly 1 in 3 calls islandwide.

"These include significant numbers of serious crimes such as 91 assaults, 62 aggravated assaults, and 254 burglaries," the chief quantified. "This concentration of criminal activity combined with rapid population growth has pushed the precinct beyond its limits."

A violent April crime — involving a kidnapping, shooting, and attempted murder — shocked Yigo and triggered an islandwide manhunt. GPD says a precinct in Yigo wouldn’t just cut response times — it would bring officers closer to the people they serve.

It’s not just about faster response. It’s about trust, visibility, and a safer village. GPD is seeking federal funding for construction — but it needs the land first. Bill 51 could be the first brick in building that future.

The proposed precinct site is still under legislative review. If approved, it would mark the first permanent GPD presence in Yigo’s history.