DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

The Department of Corrections (DOC) was established in 1968 pursuant to Public Law 9-208, enacted by the Guam Legislature, as an agency of the Executive Branch of the Government of Guam.  Under the authority conferred by Public Law 9-208, Governor Manuel F. L. Guerrero issued Executive Order No. 68-23 on November 1, 1968, formally transferring the Guam Penitentiary from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Corrections.

Title 9 Guam Code Annotated (GCA), Chapter 90, codifies the Department’s authority, functions, and responsibilities and establishes it as the governmental entity charged with administering and operating Guam’s correctional system.  Pursuant to 9 GCA § 90.15, the Department’s mission is to protect the public from the destructive actions of law offenders through the operation of a safe, secure, humane, and efficient correctional system and the provision of support services to the Judiciary, the Guam Parole Board, probation officers, and other interested agencies of the Executive Branch.

As Guam’s sole correctional institution, the Department provides correctional services to both local and federal governmental agencies.  Consistent with its statutory mandate under 9 GCA Chapter 90, the Department is responsible for the custody, control, care, supervision, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals lawfully committed to its jurisdiction.  This includes persons convicted of criminal offenses and sentenced by courts of competent jurisdiction, as well as individuals detained pending trial, sentencing, or other judicial proceedings.

In carrying out its legal responsibilities, the Department remains committed to preserving public safety, maintaining institutional security, protecting the rights and welfare of persons in custody, and supporting the fair and effective administration of justice under Guam law.

OUR DEPARTMENT’S MISSION

The mission of the Guam Department of Corrections (DEPCOR) is to protect the public from the destructive actions of law offenders through control and rehabilitation.  It provides staff services to the judiciary, the Parole Board, probation officers, and interested Executive Branch agencies.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This office manages the prisoner population, including inmates and detainees. This office drives the Department’s vision, goals, and objectives. The office provides financial and logistical services to all Department divisions. Other functions include budgetary control and monitoring expenditures.  One of its most vital roles is maintaining and updating employee personnel files and developing training priorities.

ORGANIZATION

The Department of Corrections is organized into six separate divisions:

• Administration
• Prison Security
• Casework and Counseling Services Division
• Medical Health Services
• Behavioral Health Services
• Parole Services Division

Legal Authorities

• Public Law 9-208 (1968)
• Executive Order No. 68-23 (November 1, 1968)
• Title 9 Guam Code Annotated, Chapter 90
• 9 GCA § 90.15 (Mission of the Department of Corrections)