SAIPAN – The Department of Public Safety is investigating an alleged assault involving two police officers and a victim, with charges expected to be filed in the coming days, Commissioner Anthony Macaranas announced at a press conference Monday afternoon at DPS headquarters.
The victim’s father reported the alleged assault on December 22, involving his son and two police officers. The alleged incident took place on December 19. To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, DPS has requested support from the CNMI Attorney General’s Investigation Division.
“This partnership will provide additional resources and help uphold the integrity of the process and ensure that all relevant information are carefully examined,” Commissioner Macaranas said. “To preserve the integrity of the investigation, further details of this case are being withheld at this early stage.”
Immediately after the report was filed, DPS placed both officers under administrative duty, which included disarming them and removing them from street patrol during the course of the investigation and pending the outcome of the case. Commissioner Macaranas confirmed that both officers are seasoned members of the department but declined to provide their names or the identity of the victim at this stage of the investigation.
“DPS does not tolerate any conduct that violates the law, departmental policies, and regulation,” Macaranas stated. “We are fully committed to investigating any incidents where the conduct of our personnel is in question.”
The commissioner emphasized that DPS is committed to maintaining the integrity of law enforcement operations and asked for patience and understanding from the community as the investigation continues. He noted that while he could not divulge specific details about the allegations due to the early stage of the investigation, he wanted to assure the public that the matter is being taken seriously.
“I do not want to tarnish the integrity of the case right now,” Macaranas explained. “That is why I’m so limited to giving any information. But I assure you that should the investigation shine some light, I will get back to you and I will give you more of the story of this incident.”
Commissioner Macaranas confirmed that the alleged victim was taken to the hospital by the parents following the incident. He also acknowledged that DPS has investigated officers for misconduct in the past and some have been prosecuted, but emphasized that such incidents do not diminish the department’s commitment to serve and protect the community.
“Regardless of the past, we, in this present era, we’re trying to do everything to prevent what has happened,” he said. “But again, sometimes things that happen, you know, it happened because for reasons that are beyond my knowledge.”
The commissioner extended a sincere apology to the victim on behalf of the officers’ actions. “I want to extend my sincere apology to the victim on the actions of my officer, and I assure them that this case will continue on, you know, and I have no intent of any cover-up or any discourse of this investigation,” he stated. “And I look forward that this investigation would shine a light at the end, so that we can bring justice to the victim.”
Macaranas also addressed the need for body-worn cameras, which he identified as one of his core priorities for the department. “I mean, nowadays, and if you’ve seen in the shows, TV shows involving police officers, they all carry body cameras. And that’s the equipment that would either protect the officer or it would report the mistakes of the officer,” he said. “Those are in the works, and I’m looking forward to seeing that should we get any federal funding, that I will assure that those things will be equipped to every officer.”
The commissioner emphasized that officers are trained to identify individuals with special needs or disabilities and adjust their approach accordingly. He assured the community that officers who respond to calls will continue to serve with diligence and professionalism.
“I want to rest assure again, that, again, the community that you run, you don’t have to be worried about, if you call the police to help, the officers will be there,” Macaranas said. “They would go there and do their diligence to serve and protect.”
The Attorney General’s Investigation Division has already begun looking into the case. When asked if charges have been filed, Commissioner Macaranas stated, “Right now, the case as it is has been investigated, and charges should be coming in the coming days.” Once investigators make their determination, charges will be filed based on their findings, and DPS will hold another press conference to provide updates to the public.
DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato will coordinate future press conferences as more information becomes available. Commissioner Macaranas asked for the community’s continued trust in law enforcement while the investigation proceeds.
