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Jun 08, 2023

Corrections discusses outreach program with Rotarians

Reporter Corrections Sgt. Jeff Quitugua answers questions regarding the

Reporter

Corrections Sgt. Jeff Quitugua answers questions regarding the department's outreach program

AT a meeting of the Saipan Rotary Club on Tuesday, Corrections Sgt. Jeff Quitugua fielded questions about the needs of the department's Outreach Program, which allows inmates to perform voluntary community service.

"There's a lot," Quitugua said, adding that safety shoes, safety clothing and power tools are always in need.

Quitugua was the club's special guest speaker, and during his presentation he also mentioned that Corrections has a partnership with the Northern Marianas Technical Institute to provide trades classes to inmates.

Rotary Club of Saipan President Wendell Posadas, who is also an instructor at NMTech, said he teaches inmates at the department's Outreach Center on Capital Hill.

Posadas said 10 of his Corrections students are Electrical Level 2 certified. Other inmates have constructed concrete benches on Beach Road and have worked on projects at the Grotto, he added.

According to a Nov. 2022, press release published by Variety, NMTech and the Department of Corrections have a memorandum of agreement to invest in training opportunities for inmates to "decrease recidivism and increase future job opportunities."

Quitugua said 15 inmates are currently in the Outreach Program. He said inmates must first volunteer to be part of the training activities. Afterward, Corrections staff conduct a background check that includes a report on the inmate's behavior while incarcerated, and the charges that brought the inmate to prison.

Quitugua said aside from construction work, inmates have also conducted cleanups around the island and provided groundskeeping services for government properties.

During Quitugua's presentation, Rotary Club Treasurer Charles Cepeda inquired about the availability of the Outreach inmates to work on Rotary Club projects.

He said if a partnership is possible, the Rotary Club would offer assistance to the program.

Reporter

Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.

(This is not a scientific poll.)

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