On Wednesday, a groundbreaking in Talo’fo’fo marked the next step toward improving police response times and public safety for Guam’s southern communities. KUAM News headed down to God's Country with what's in store for GPD's newest substation.

A project that began six years ago is finally taking shape. The Guam Police Department, the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, and the Office of the Governor broke ground on the long-awaited GPD Eastern Substation in Talo’fo’fo. The 6,690-square-foot facility will sit on one acre of Government of Guam land – designed to serve not only Talo’fo’fo, but other southern villages, as well.

The goal: reduce response times, increase police visibility, and curb crime in an area long challenged by distance and limited resources.

Village mayor Vicente Taitague called the project a meaningful investment in community safety, saying, “This is a good investment, and the residents of Talo’fo’fo’ and surrounding villages highly appreciate the work of all concerned.”

Following a string of crimes in the village last year, Mayor Taitague believes an increased police presence will play a key role in deterrence. “Talo’fo’fo’ is not immune from drugs and other criminal offenses," he said, adding, “Drug dealers, take notice that we are after you. You have no place in our community.”

Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio addressed why response times in the south have been a longstanding issue – citing narrow two-lane roads, long travel distances, and limited personnel. He also stressed that a new build is only effective if it can be fully staffed and maintained.

“The last thing we want to do is build a brand new facility and then be forced to close it down due to lack of personnel," said the chief.

And GHURA executive director Elizabeth Napoli reflected on the long road to this milestone – made possible through dedicated funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Community Planning and Development and GHURA’s selection for a Fiscal Year 2021 Community Development Block Grant award.

Despite those challenges post-COVID era cost increases and working to comply with 'Build America, By America' requirements, GHURA is moving forward.  Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio stated a new facility – rather than taking over existing community spaces – was necessary to support long-term growth and modern policing needs.

He said, “Being able to have a very quick response time is so necessary to counter the challenges that we have to challenge – the challenge of a 35-year addiction to methamphetamine.”

Tenorio added the substation will also support law enforcement agency partnerships and community policing. “So this is a very, very transformative facility. It’s filling a gap, but its also forging our way into the future," he said.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero stated the project reflects their administration’s effort to deliver long-promised improvements. She explained, “We not only listened, but we moved aggressively to provide our community with the means for them to better themselves, to provide safety, to fight drugs.”

With funding secured and construction underway, the project enters its next stage -- and a completion date slated for mid-2027.