It was a Crime Stoppers tip that helped the Department of Public Safety apprehend the three suspects in the murder of security guard Efren Ballesteros at the Marianas High School, according to NMI Crime Stoppers Program president Jim Arenovski yesterday.
Arenovski said that Crime Stoppers tips to DPS led to a number of arrests in 2008, but none more significant than the one that helped police arrest the three murder suspects.
“This is a testament that Crime Stoppers is indeed a vital tool to be used by our men and women at DPS and all law enforcement branches in the NMI,” said Arenovksi during the proclamation signing declaring January as CNMI Crime Stoppers Month.
Arenovski said the program is only effective if three things are working well: community members who are making the calls, the media that reports the success of the program and the cases, and the law enforcers who go out and investigate the tips.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signed the proclamation yesterday at the Office of the Governor's conference room on Capital Hill. Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez sat beside him in the ceremony witnessed by Crime Stoppers' officials as well as local and federal law enforcers.
As part of efforts to protect tourists and tourism sites, Crime Stoppers board chair Rick Northen said the program pays a minimum of $500 for information leading to an arrest relating to crimes against visitors and tourist areas.
“With the challenges of our economy all around us, only the residents of the CNMI can ensure our visitors' safety and enjoyment and then tell others about the beauty of the CNMI,” said Northen in reading the proclamation.
Whether it involves violence, robbery, drugs, weapons, or human trafficking, all people in the CNMI have a vested interest in reducing crime, he added.
Northen said the CNMI still has over 20 unsolved homicides, while burglaries and copper wire thefts continue to rise. “DPS needs information from the public to help solve these and countless other crimes,” he said.
Arenovski also announced that DPS Commissioner Santiago Tudela appointed three months ago Police Officer 2 Jason Tarkong as the new Crime Stoppers coordinator.
“Jason has a great base for law enforcement. He's known by many people,” Arenovski said.
He said they are very happy with the appointment because Tarkong will be a big boost to the program.
Tarkong said he is thankful to Tudela for giving him the opportunity to prove himself as the Crime Stoppers coordinator.
“It is a challenge,” Tarkong said.
Meanwhile, Becky Benavente, Pacific Islands Club executive assistant to the general manager, donated $2,000 yesterday on behalf of PIC to Crime Stoppers' annual fundraising softball tournament.
“We're donating as part of PIC's community involvement. We are very proud to be part of NMI Crime Stoppers because they do help make our islands safe, not only for the guests but also for the community,” Benavente said.
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