The Department of Public Safety has launched a criminal and administrative investigation into allegations that two CNMI police officers assaulted a man during an encounter earlier this month, prompting the immediate removal of both officers from patrol duties and the involvement of investigators from the Office of the Attorney General.
In a press conference last Dec. 30, DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas told the media that the alleged incident occurred last Dec. 19, but was not formally reported until Dec. 22, when the victim’s father contacted authorities.
The complaint alleges that the victim was assaulted by two police officers. Because the case is still in its early stages, Macaranas declined to release the identities of the officers or the victim, as well as specific details of the alleged encounter.
To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, Macaranas has requested assistance from the Attorney General’s Investigation Division, which is now working alongside DPS Internal Affairs. The commissioner said the decision was made to safeguard the integrity of the process and to avoid any perception of bias.
“Normally, when an officer is investigated for misconduct and charges are brought, Internal Affairs would investigate the case administratively, and it would come over to me to make a decision either to put them on leave without pay, depending on the outcome of the case. As of right now, with this case, I'm still waiting for the outcome,” he said.
Immediately after the report was received, Macaranas said both officers were placed on administrative duty, disarmed, and removed from street patrol pending the outcome of the investigation.
“DPS does not tolerate any conduct that violates the law, departmental policies, and regulations. We are fully committed to investigating any incidents where the conduct of our personnel is in question. DPS would like to reassure the public that our core mission to protect and serve the community remains unchanged. We are committed to maintaining the trust of our citizens through transparency and accountability. We ask for your patient understanding as we continue to address this serious matter,” he said.
Macaranas also acknowledged widespread community concern and speculation surrounding the case, including unverified claims circulating publicly about the victim’s condition and the circumstances of the encounter. He urged the public to remain patient and allow investigators to determine the facts before drawing conclusions.
According to DPS, the alleged victim was later taken to the Commonwealth Health Center by family members. Macaranas said he could not confirm whether DPS had prior interactions with the individual, but emphasized that an individual’s background should never affect how officers treat a person.
“Regardless of a person’s background, every officer has to treat each person with respect and dignity,” he said.
Macaranas confirmed that the two officers involved are seasoned members of the department but said their disciplinary histories, if any, could not yet be discussed. Nevertheless, he said DPS will get to the bottom of the assault case against its own officers.
“They cannot go out there and be rogue officers to conduct this kind of behavior. This is uncalled for, and this is something that I do not tolerate, and I'm serious about having this case really investigated so we can get to the bottom of this,” he said.
The case has also renewed calls for the implementation of body-worn cameras for CNMI police officers. Macaranas said he has been seeking funding for the equipment, noting that body cameras can protect both officers and the public by providing an objective record of police encounters.
“Those are the works, and I'm looking forward to seeing that. Should we get any kind of federal funding, I will ensure that those things will be equipped to every officer,” he said.
In addressing concerns from families of individuals with disabilities or special needs, the commissioner said officers receive training to recognize behavioral cues and adjust their approach accordingly. He said DPS expects officers to act professionally in all situations and reassured the community that calling for police assistance remains safe.
Macaranas also issued a public apology to the alleged victim and the family, saying there would be no cover-up and that DPS is committed to seeing the investigation through to its conclusion.
“I assure them that this case will continue. And I have no intent of any cover-up or any discourse of this investigation, and I look forward to this investigation shining a light at the end so that we can bring justice to the victim,” he said.
Maracanas said a press conference will be scheduled once more information becomes available.
Share this article
