Governor launches Visitor Safety Officer Program

NOTE: The following is a joint release from Governor Calvo and the Guam Visitors Bureau.

“The safety of everyone, whether they are our guests or residents of this island, is paramount. I am proud of the folks at GVB for working with the Guam Police Department to implement the Visitor Safety Officer program. It’s another way to make visitors feel more at home and showcase the hospitality that our people are known for. I look forward to working with our island’s new VSOs in protecting and promoting the crown jewel of the Pacific.”

– Governor Eddie Baza Calvo

VSO program increases safety and extends Hafa Adai spirit

The new Visitor Safety Officer program was launched today.

The new program will augment the Guam Police Department in Tumon.

Funded by Tourist Attraction Funds, it will help ensure the safety of all visitors and residents around the Tumon area. Visitor Safety Officers will have dual roles providing security and concierge services for the public. These VSOs will be easily identifiable, sporting highly visible bright green uniforms. They are also assigned to patrol the beaches and streets of Tumon, from Archbishop Flores Circle to Gun Beach.

“GVB is constantly investing in Guam’s image as a safe and family-friendly destination. We are excited to partner with GPD and G4S to get the VSO program officially started and make a strong presence in Tumon,” said Gov. Calvo. “The VSO team will be supporting the efforts of local law enforcement authorities to deter criminal activity. They’ll also help as concierges to inform all visitors of basic information about our island.”

Keep Your Guard Up graduate is one of new officers

Spc. Fletcher Persinger, 1-294th Regiment Guam National Guard, said he’s proud to be one of the new safety officers.

“The Keep Your Guard Up Program helped us get certified in the course we chose. But then afterwards, they helped us put together our resume and go out and go after the job that we wanted,” Persinger said. “That’s how I got this job.”

Persinger added his appreciation for the Keep Your Guard Up program and encouraged fellow soldiers and National Guard airmen to participate and stick with the program.

“The folks at GCC, which taught the courses, they all worked with us so even if our schedules got hectic we could re-schedule things with them so we can continue and finish our courses,” he said, adding: “I was working when I took this course so sometimes transportation would be an issue for me. But I talked to the instructor and they were able to work with me.”

 

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer