DOC oversight hearing highlights staffing crisis & contraband challenges

Ongoing concerns about prison conditions, staffing shortages, and security vulnerabilities were the focus of discussion on Monday at the Guam Congress Building as lawmakers pressed Guam Department of Corrections officials for updates during their oversight hearing.

Behind the walls of the Guam Department of Corrections, command staff says their challenges to overcome security vulnerabilities, a shortage of correctional officers, and overcrowding continue to grow.  Those challenges were laid out before lawmakers today during an oversight hearing of the department by the Legislative Committee on Public Safety. Committee chair Senator Shawn Gumataotao said the hearing was meant to determine whether DOC and the Government of Guam can continue to maintain credibility as partners with the federal judiciary.

While DOC's director and administrative services officer were absent – leaving some budget questions tabled -- five members of the department’s command staff testified about the day-to-day realities inside the facility.

Warden Alan Borja explained the department’s biggest challenge remains manpower, saying, “Again, its a very daunting task when you’re trying to manage 916 clients with a manpower per shift of 30 to 35.”  He added that the facility ideally needs 60 to 70 officers per shift to operate effectively – including staffing the Hagåtña Detention Facility.

Major Antone Aguon told senators hundreds have applied to become correctional officers – but very few have met the qualifications. “These are the latest numbers…so far we’ve had a total of 222 applicants. Right now there are no qualified candidates," he stated.

Administrative commander Major Maryhelen Lizama says pay and the cost of living are major factors in retention, requesting a 6% base salary increase for correctional officers. Security concerns also extend beyond the prison walls. The warden continued to explain, saying, “So we are easily breached. Even in broad daylight vehicles would stop right there on the main road adjacent to the prison and throw contraband over the fence. And if you go by the prison on any given day, you can see those outer posts that are supposed to be manned – they’re not.”

Even with frequent shakedowns and security checks, contraband continues to pop-up. In 2025 there were 54 contraband-related cases -- with an additional 3 cases just this year – ranging from makeshift weapons and narcotics to tobacco products.

Meanwhile, casework administrator Therese Tayama says despite difficult conditions and heavy caseloads, her staff remains committed to their work. And Senator Chris Barnett says those challenges raise questions about how performance expectations are set for agencies already operating under strain.

“I think we have to tread very carefully with instituting and implementing this performance-based budgeting," said the senator. "Especially, with agencies like the doc where it’s my opinion that legislatively we’re not providing as much support as we’re obligated to."

DOC officials say recruitment, retention, and security improvements will remain top priorities as the department works to address longstanding challenges inside Guam’s correctional system.