Safety and security for the scores of people at public events locally and across the nation is now under a microscope. This after a series of tragedies unfolded in just the first two days of the new year. 

Hagatna is expected to experience increased traffic in the coming days as elected officials prepare for their respective inauguration ceremonies. Authorities confirming enhanced security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of all.

New year, new leadership: as the heart of the island’s capital prepares to host inaugurations for newly elected and reelected officials, local law enforcement has a clear message for anyone intending to cause harm or disrupt the safety of these major political events:

Angel Sablan, director of the Department of Parks & Recreation, said, “You don’t have a chance.” He confirms that Park Police will be on high alert to ensure a smooth and safe ceremony for mayors, vice mayors, and attendees at the Guam Museum this Saturday. He adds that the same level of readiness will be deployed for Monday's senatorial inauguration at the Guam Congress Building. 

“There’s traffic control, there’s crowd control, there’s people out there that you won’t even know are there," he said.

Meanwhile, Guam Police Department Chief Stephen Ignacio assures that while GPD received no request for assistance for either event—with private security already in place—officers remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice.  “We’re always here–GPD is 24/7, so should the need arise at any time, we’ll deploy our people to assist," he said.

It’s a unified sense of preparedness following heightened security awareness after the recent terror attack in New Orleans. “Should there be any threat, we’ll rely on the joint terrorism task force which we have here on Guam to the office of the FBI and we also have our fusion center that provides intelligence analysis as well. So, if they flag anything, I’m sure they’ll reach out to me before the events to let me know they’ve received credible or potential information they need us to provide security and assistance. So we stand ready at any time to assist," he said.

A sobering reminder: before you act, think twice, as Sablan said,  “Everyone is prepared to take action.”