Guam Police Department launches criminal justice pilot program for high school students

The 38th Guam Legislature convened on June 13, 2025, for a budget hearing focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget, with significant discussions surrounding various training programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing law enforcement and community engagement.

The meeting began with an overview of the Guam Police Department's (GPD) efforts in capacity building and professional development. A key highlight was the introduction of the Criminal Justice Pilot Program, inspired by a request from Happy Valley High School in Tennessee. This program aims to educate students about law enforcement and potentially serve as a recruitment tool. If approved by the Guam Education Board, the program will allow students to earn credits in the 2025-2026 school year, covering topics from introductory criminal justice to advanced investigative techniques over three years.

Further discussions included the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's (FLETC) leadership training, which provided local law enforcement with skills to manage conflict and lead through adversity. This training was noted as the first of its kind in Guam, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership in law enforcement.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program was also reviewed, highlighting its focus on social-emotional learning and responsible decision-making. As of May 2025, the program had reached 1,333 students across 11 elementary schools, reinforcing the GPD's commitment to community education.

Additional training initiatives discussed included the National Association of Field Training Officers (NAFTA) training, which aimed to enhance the skills of field training officers, and a crash investigations course funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This course trained officers in proper crash documentation and evidence gathering.

The meeting also covered advanced training for homicide investigations, funded through a combination of local and federal resources, which trained 150 law enforcement officers and civilians in critical investigative skills.

In conclusion, the budget hearing underscored the Guam Police Department's proactive approach to training and community engagement, with various programs designed to strengthen relationships with youth and improve law enforcement capabilities. The discussions set the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering a safer and more informed community.