Overcrowded, understaffed, and under pressure — Guam’s prison system is facing serious challenges that officials say can no longer be ignored. Despite it all, the Department of Corrections' director says they are not in a state of emergency.

During their recent budget hearing, DOC's Fred Bordallo, Jr. says staffing is key. He said, "In this budget, it will not only cover our current staff but will allow for us to recruit and increase our force to at least 200 by December, so it's promising there to have at least 200 to include the reserve program that we have and other programs that we have with our Parole Division."

"We're doing recruitment right now we've been doing some interviews. I think we've had a listing from the Dept. Of Administration. We have a continuous listing."

Bordallo says more officers means less overtime, allowing shifts to return to a safer eight-hour schedule instead of the current 12-hour grind. But it’s not just manpower — the prison has been in the headlines, lawmakers, including Senator Chris Barnett, questioned whether the problems have reached an emergency level.

"I think anyone in the public who's watching the Dept. Of Corrections, right now is probably not very happy. Relative to serious allegations of officer misconduct so I want to ask  what does this budget do to prevent and stem the flow of contraband? And do you have plans to address, we read about a big federal bust and come to find out weeks after the bust we are still seeing the same inmate found with contraband at a maxkimum security area. It leads mean to question your leadership at the Dept. Of Corrections," he said.

Bordallo responding to concerns said, "That's not good news for the Dept. Of Corrections it certainly would affect the men and women of the Dept. Of Corrections. But we constantly ensure them keep your heads up high. Keep looking for your friends and neighbors who want to join the battle. Instead about talking about on the sidelines about the battle."

Barnett posing the question, saying, "Do you think a state of emergency exists? At the Dept. Of Corrections today?"

The DOC director admits the system isn’t operating as it should — though he remains confident the issues can be resolved. "No I don't. No I don't," said Bordallo. "It's not normal, but there's way to improve it. I have optimism that its not an emergency."

For now, corrections officials say more staffing, new facilities, and legislative support will be critical to improving safety and operations behind the prison walls.