Director apologized for the lapse in carrying out their duties with inmates escaping from TCF

The Department of Corrections, Director Tauanu’u Semu Tauanu’u has apologized for the lapse in carrying out their duties, with inmates escaping from the Tafuna Correctional Facility over a period of time.

Tauanuu apologized when appearing before a joint hearing of the Senate and House for budget reviews of the new fiscal year.

When given the opportunity to address the Lawmakers, Tauanu’u first admitted to their lapse in fulfilling their duties by keeping the inmates behind bars and apologized.

He acknowledged the government leaders for adding a million dollars to their Department’s budget to fund the necessary resources to assist the mandates of their operation.

Last month Lt Governor Talauega E.V Ale was behind a plan to ensure prisoners remain inside the Tafuna Correctional Facility instead of galavanting around the island, breaking into people’s homes and businesses.

A statement from the Governor's Office noted that one of the primary solutions that will be implemented is recruiting and hiring up to 40 new guards. Adequate staffing is crucial to maintaining a safe and secure environment within the correctional facility.

The Government is also looking at the issue of overcrowdedness within the facility and the completion of the new building for Maximum Holding.

ASG wants to assure the citizens of American Samoa that these corrective actions are being implemented with urgency and dedication.

The safety of our communities remains our top priority, and we are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that our correctional facility operates as a secure and rehabilitative institution, says the press release.