Day 4- February 1, 2010

Our guest speaker was Richard Cress, Sgt. I, G.P.D., he holds many positions for the Guam Police Department. During his presentation he explained the different departments and divisions in our island’s police system. I learned so much from his presentation, but I would like to list my top 10 favorites. (I intend to treat his presentation as if it was one of the Chapters in our book)

Guam Police Department Presentation- Richard Cress, Sgt. I, G.P.D.
1. The Chief of Police is appointed by the Governor. This appointee can be a police officer or even a civilian. As long as the Governor feels the appointee obtains the skills to perform his job effectively.
2. The Chief of Police established the goals of the Police Department
3. The Chief of Police in charge of hiring the recruits.
4. Special Staff Assistant (SACOP)- This department has all uniformed officers and their job is to screen the reports that will be handed to the Chief of Police. They are also responsible for informing the chief of all events and functions the department will be a part of.
5. The Auxiliary Services handles the internal affairs, legal section, intelligence unit, polygraph office, chaplain, public affairs office, community affairs and victim’s assistance unit.
6. Public Affairs are in charge of informing the public or media, rather than having the press and reporters harassing victims, suspects, witnesses, or anyone involved in a crime, the media must contact the Public Affairs Officer for information that the police department is willing to release.
7. The Community affairs enhance the relationship between the community and the police department.
8. The Internal Affairs section investigates the police officers. If there are cases filed against police officers, it is the responsibility of the internal affairs to examine and investigate the cases.
9. Under the Police Commander there are two departments, Operations and Investigations Bureau. The Operations Bureau includes, Special Operations Divisions, neighborhood patrol, and highway patrol divisions. Criminal investigations and forensic science divisions make up the Investigations Bureau
10. The Highway patrol division enforcers the rules of the roadway. The biggest issue facing the United States is DUI or Driving under the Influence. The police department has tried many awareness projects to inform the crucial and deadly effects of it.