The Northern Marianas prison population is soaring and the authorities are seeking funds for more prison staff.
There were 160 inmates in February but that has ballooned in recent weeks to about 270.
The Department of Corrections wants to boost its team of 111 officers by another 18 to deal with a further expected increase based on the current trend.
Our correspondent in CNMI said the "ice" (methamphetamine) epidemic has likely led to more robberies and petty crime.
He said improved prosperity had led to an increase in the general population in the past couple of years.
