Lawmakers press GPD on internal-affairs handling, morale and anonymous allegations

Senators used the Feb. 10 oversight hearing to press Guam Police Department leaders on the effect of internal investigations and command accountability on officer morale. Several lawmakers described outreach from officers expressing concern about whether internal processes were applied consistently, especially when the subject is senior command staff.

Senator Chris Barnett referenced media reports and internal complaints arising from a December traffic stop involving a high-ranking officer. Senate questioners asked whether the officer was placed on administrative leave to preserve the integrity of an investigation; GPD declined to discuss the matter because it is an "ongoing internal affairs investigation." Major witnesses said administrative-leave decisions are discretionary with the chief and depend on whether leaving an officer on duty would impair investigative integrity.

Captain Flickinger summarized the administrative process for updating policy and said the body-worn camera general order has been revised with AG input and will go through three public hearings (Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26) followed by compilation and review by the chief and return to the Legislature for final action: "Once we're done the 3 public hearings for the body worn cameras... we'll compile everything... send it to the chief for his review," he said.

An anonymous email circulated to senators alleged a command staffer was using a federally funded Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) vehicle for day-to-day administrative transport rather than program duties. GPD said no such report had been filed with the chief and asked the committee to forward the allegation for investigation.

GPD told the committee that Internal Affairs currently has four investigators plus one supervisor and that 16 investigations were pending in FY2026. Committee members also discussed the Police Review Commission, which senators said has been dormant for years because rules and administrative support were never implemented after the statute's passage.

What happens next: Senators asked GPD to work with the chief and the AG to accelerate resolution of pending GOs and to ensure transparent processes for internal-affairs referrals. The committee asked to be provided the administrative follow-up on any credible allegations.