The director of Guam’s corrections is putting out the call — not just for help, but for new careers. Director Fred Bordallo says the Civilian Corrections Reserve Program isn’t just a stopgap to fill the ranks…it’s becoming a pipeline for future officers.

It began in 2023 as a bold experiment: tapping into the community to help with the Guam Department of Corrections’ manpower shortage. Today, the civilian corrections reserve program is proving to be more than just backup — it’s launching careers.

"To the credit of the late former senator, Jose Pedo Terlaje, the corrections reserve," he said.

The reserves are paired with full-time corrections officers, and strategically placed across the compound — from women’s housing to parole services, even the K-9 drug enforcement unit. Bordallo continued, "As they go through this reserve program, and get trained and get sworn in, they are teamed up with a full time officer. As they get more experience working in the corrections field, they end up becoming interested in joining the corrections on a full time basis."

Bordallo stresses that reserve officers are held to the same standards as full-time staff. The program also comes with real responsibilities — and real consequences. "They are screened first. They have to provide police clearance, there is a background check. Corrections is a  law enforcement field. They are going to be put in stressful situations," he said.

The Civilian Corrections Reserve Program offers $500 a month for 42 hours of service, with a minimum of 20 hours required. Applicants must be at least high school graduates with a valid driver’s license.

"There are tangible things from being a reserve or a full time corrections officer. You will be compensated, it wouldnt be that great but you will have respect from the community. And if you move on, as a former officer, they know you have th discipline, you've had that type of training to take of yourself and be very observant, they have a rich wealth of experience," said Bordallo.

For more information, call 671-735-5170 or visit the Department of Corrections. Bordallo saying that although doc doesnt have a recruiter, leadership and officers serve as the best advertising.

He said, "I tell the leaders they are all really the recruiters. Instead of standing on the sidelines...contribute and join the department of corrections."