In response to "public commentary," including claims by alleged employees, Guam Police Department Acting Chief Joseph Carbullido issued a statement on the recent organizational realignment.
Carbullido acknowledged the right of individuals to "express their opinions," but shot down suggestions that he "arbitrarily" created the realignment. Instead, he said it's based on the work he and the late Chief Stephen Ignacio did together over a year ago.
"The organizational framework being implemented is substantially based upon the organizational structure developed and signed by the late Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio June 7," Carbullido said.
He said GPD "retained" the framework and made "limited modifications" as necessary in response to current operational requirements and "evolving responsibilities" of the department.
Carbullido stressed that those decisions align with Guam law, citing Title 10 Guam Code Annotated Chapter 77, which relates to the responsibility of GPD's chief of police to efficiently run the department's operations. He said the same statute applies to the department maintaining pace with "professional developments and community standards" and responsiveness to the "safety, security and peacekeeping needs" of the island.
"The Department's responsibilities are not static. They continue to expand as Guam's public-safety environment, operational demands, technology, interagency responsibilities and community expectations evolve. The GPD organizational structure must be periodically evaluated to determine whether personnel and resources remain positioned where they can most effectively serve the community," Carbullido said.
He acknowledged that the organizational realignment may "inevitably impact all personnel and their assignments," which may not be welcomed by all.
He said the decisions are not made alone.
"The Chief of Police confers with top managers on the assignment or reassignment of personnel within GPD. These managers determine suitable assignments for personnel based on factors such as skill sets, aptitude and abilities. Personnel assignments and organizational structures are management decisions made according to operational requirements, not individual preferences," he said.
Carbullido said as acting chief, he will continue to exercise his authority and responsibilities in accordance with Guam law and reassured that "Decisions regarding the organization of the Department will be based upon public safety, operational effectiveness, accountability, efficient use of personnel and resources and the needs of the people of Guam."