Northern Mariana Islands Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres announced that he is stepping down from his post after nearly four years leading the agency, a tenure marked by security reforms, expanded rehabilitation programs and operational improvements across the Commonwealth's correctional system.
Torres, who joined the administration of the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang in January 2023, announced his departure in a statement reflecting on the department's accomplishments and thanking those who supported its reform efforts.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to lead the dedicated men and women of NMIDOC," Torres said. "Together, we have worked to strengthen public safety, improve operations, expand rehabilitation programs, and build greater trust in our correctional system."
Torres said he is proud of the progress made during his tenure and expressed confidence in the department's future.
During his leadership, the department advanced enhanced security and contraband reduction efforts, established the Manhoben Care Center and Guma' Diniseha, expanded rehabilitation and reentry programming, improved operations at the Adult Correctional Facility, integrated parole functions, and increased staff training and professional development opportunities.
"These efforts reflect a continued commitment to both accountability and rehabilitation," he said.
Torres expressed gratitude to the Palacios, Apatang, members of the Legislature, correctional officers and staff, partner agencies, community members, and individuals in the department's custody and their families.
Torres said he will transition to the private sector, where he plans to assist emergency management, public safety and correctional organizations throughout the country in addressing complex operational challenges.
He will continue serving as chairman of the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority and said he intends to remain in the CNMI.
Torres thanked the people of the CNMI for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to the Commonwealth.
No successor was immediately announced.
