Along with presenting the Guam Police Department’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, lawmakers used the hearing to press the Chief of Police on the status of the island’s precincts. 

Public Safety Chair Sen. Shawn Gumataotao zeroed in on one issue, the status of $200,000 dollars appropriated to GPD for audiovisual equipment back in 2022.

“Wow,” Ignacio began.  

“Why do you start with wow,” asked Gumataotao.

“I’ve had that since 2022, I've had an easier time spending $54 million than spending $200,000. I kid you not,” added Ignacio. 

Chief Ignacio admitted it’s been surprisingly tough to spend that money.

“Well I can report thankfully to my knowledge, a vendor actually did a site visit so they could build a quote to that specific project,” said Chief of Police, Stephen Ignacio. 

The audiovisual upgrades are meant to record police interviews and interrogations, a measure prompted after a couple came forward last year alleging they were assaulted by an officer inside the Dededo precinct, where no cameras captured the incident. 

Also on the topic of precincts, Sen. Chris Barnett praised the improvements at the Central precinct, which had faced criticism for overgrown weeds and peeling paint.

“I want to thank you for the upgrades, I do drive by there and it is so shinarp,” said Barnett. 

Barnett also reminded the Chief about renaming efforts. Last year, he introduced a bill to rename the Hågat Southern Precinct to honor the late Sen. Jose T. "Pedo" Terlaje, a measure that passed with unanimous support. 

On Dec. 27, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed it into law in front of the Terlaje family.

“Does there need to be any additional funding because I haven't heard about any forward movement. We're moving forward, we're buying roadside signs and plaques for the precincts along with the Connie Duenas precinct,” said Barnett. 

That precinct, the Central Precinct, was officially renamed in 2018 as the Lieutenant Concepcion ‘Connie’ Balajadia Duenas police station. 

And in Tumon, Ignacio confirmed that plans are underway to re-open the Koban thanks to the work of some officers and donations from the community, with a stand-up and ceremony scheduled for June 27.