CNMI Department of Corrections Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago
The CNMI Department of Corrections (DOC) wants to house inmates from other jurisdictions as its current number of prison beds far exceeds its present prison population.
Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres said the DOC currently has approximately 180 inmates.
He said the DOC facility can accommodate an additional 320 inmates from other jurisdictions at its 500-bed facility, while charging them US$120 a day.
For as little as 100 off-island inmates charged at $120 a day per inmate, the DOC could generate an annual profit of $4 million profit without incurring aditional utility costs, as power at the jail remains 24/7, he added.
Torres also said he has plans to improve Corrections' rehabilitation side by preparing inmates who are about to finish their prison sentences to rejoin the community as productive members of society.
The DOC chief said their Community Outreach Program had 14 inmates complete and pass a construction safety course back in 2021, while nine inmates completed and passed electrical level 1 and 2 courses in 2023.
The Community Outreach Program has partnered with local businesses and organisations to provide mentorship, job training, and ongoing support to inmates.
Torres also announced that the DOC has secured a $160,000 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program for rehabilitation grant for fiscal year 2025-2026.
He said part of the funds will be used to repurpose an unused space at DOC for a substance abuse treatment progra, and he is currently working on the staffing of the center.