Guam Police Department requests $2.9M budget increase to cover salaries and operations

The 38th Guam Legislature convened on June 13, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, focusing on critical funding needs for the Guam Police Department (GPD) and public safety initiatives. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement, particularly in addressing drug-related issues and staffing shortages.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the need for advanced forensic tools, specifically a gas chromatography instrument, which is essential for testing drug purity. This requirement stems from a recent law aimed at enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement in drug investigations. The GPD emphasized that having the right instruments and training is crucial for conducting accurate quantitative tests, which can provide vital information about the purity of substances like methamphetamine and cocaine.

Concerns were raised about the current state of drug-related crime, with officers noting that while there is no clear resurgence of cocaine, it remains a persistent issue in their investigations. The department has taken proactive steps by training patrol officers in drug detection, which aims to improve their effectiveness in combating drug trafficking.

Budgetary discussions revealed that the proposed increase of $2.9 million for FY 2026 primarily addresses salary adjustments due to a mandated pay increase of 25.59%. However, this funding does not cover several critical programs, totaling approximately $5.27 million, which are essential for enhancing public safety and operational efficiency. Legislators expressed concern over the stagnant personnel numbers within the GPD, which have not significantly improved since 2020, indicating a pressing need for more substantial recruitment efforts.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the GPD in maintaining adequate staffing levels and resources to effectively address public safety concerns. As the legislature continues to deliberate on the budget, the implications of these discussions will be closely monitored by the community, particularly regarding the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling drug-related issues and ensuring public safety.