The Department of Public Safety is asking the CNMI Legislature for a $9 million budget for fiscal year 2026—an increase from last year.
At Tuesday’s House Ways and Means Committee hearing, DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas outlined the department’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. He stressed the urgent need for more funding to meet growing demands.
Macaranas said, “Our responsibilities continue to expand, yet our resources remain limited. As the needs of our community evolve, so must our capacity to respond.”
The department is seeking funds to cover essential services, including utilities, vehicle maintenance, overtime pay, legal costs, and critical equipment like protective gear and communication radios.
In fiscal year 2025, DPS operated on a $6 million budget. The proposed $9 million for FY 2026 would help the department hire more officers and invest in specialized training.
