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11/11/2025 - The CNMI Department of Public Safety recorded a sharp rise in public disturbance and assault cases in fiscal year 2025, according to its Citizen-Centric Report submitted to the Office of the Public Auditor.
The report’s “Progress Report (continued)” section showed that disturbing-the-peace offenses more than doubled, climbing 154% from 1,049 cases in 2024 to 2,667 in 2025, while assaults with a dangerous weapon jumped 158% from 36 to 93 cases.
“The total numbers presented provide a general overview of the calls made to our 911 dispatch. Notably, there has been an increase in two categories of crime: disturbing the peace and assault with a dangerous weapon. Overall, these numbers reflect a community that is reporting crimes—ranging from minor verbal disputes to serious offenses such as domestic violence. Our officers continue to patrol the streets and respond promptly to all calls for service,” DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas told Marianas Press in a statement.
Other categories, such as property crimes (660) and domestic-related incidents (364), remained high, though DPS noted those figures are not directly comparable to previous years due to changes in classification.
Last fiscal year also saw DPS log 10,207 total responses across criminal, traffic, and public-safety incidents in 2025.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau handled 472 crimes against persons, 660 property-related crimes, 57 sexual assaults, 84 narcotics cases, and five firearms cases, forwarding 240 cases for prosecution to the Attorney General’s Office.
In response to Marianas Press’ query, DPS said statistics presented in its fiscal year 2025 report include both active and inactive incidents reported within the department.
“These incidents vary in severity, ranging from minor disputes to major offenses. In some cases, incidents are not pursued further because the involved parties choose not to press charges or file an official complaint. In such situations, police presence is often requested solely to help mitigate or de-escalate the situation,” said DPS public information officer Fred Sato.
To this end, he said incidents that result in an active complaint are formally investigated by the department. Upon completion of the investigation, these cases are then forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for review and potential prosecution.
On the roads, DPS Highway Patrol responded to 1,009 auto crashes, issued 1,885 citations, and arrested 98 impaired drivers.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles processed 12,654 driver’s licenses and 18,812 civilian vehicle registrations, while the Firearms and Records Section approved 116 new licenses and 244 renewals.
The Marine Patrol Section handled 22 maritime incidents, and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section inspected 822 commercial vehicles, removing 162 from the road for safety violations.
DPS also achieved Real ID compliance in May 2025, hired a full-time public information officer, and filled 24 new Police Officer I positions.
Budget-wise, DPS operated on a $4.73-million budget—virtually unchanged from FY 2024—but expenditures climbed to $5.17 million, largely from fuel, repairs, and personnel costs. Its police division alone overspent by over $439,000.
DPS cited no salary increases in five years, ongoing staff attrition, and aging equipment among its major constraints. “The department continues to lose officers attracted to higher-paying jobs,” the report said.
Despite the tight budget, DPS secured more than $212,000 in assistance and small grants from the Australian Federal Police and Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Program, supporting training and new gear.
Plans for FY 2026 include upgrading duty-weapon optics, modernizing communications systems, and maintaining a zero-fatality rate on CNMI highways under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.
Report by Mark Rabago
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