2020-07-17 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 17, 2020 Page 3 Chief Ferreira further reported that 56 officers are eligible for retirement, and all officers above captain are eligible for retirement. In a few years, about 30% of the department will hit the 25 years service for retirement. The disdain across the nation for police officers and changes across the nation is scarey. They do a lot of training for the officers. He told the commission that when they hear of complaints, they need to be told about it. When a complaint is made, they look at it from both sides. A lot of times, they find out circumstances are different from what is being said. Hopefully, the bodyworn cameras will help. He wants to know of complaints when it happens, not 3 months later. Dispatchers go through six weeks of training in using the phone. He would not be able to do a dispatcher's job even with his 37 years of service. He wants his call takers to take as much information as they can. This helps keep officers safe. Dispatchers and officers go through a lot of training. Chair Bertsch told the commissioners that if they hear complaints, they need to ask, "who, where, why, and when" and then provide the information to the Chief. They don't want to proliferate a rumor mill. Chief Ferreira welcomed all commissioners to visit the dispatch center. Finance Report: Acting AC Jelsma reported that their total expenditure is at 100%, and they expended 89.32%. Total S & W expended is 91.48%. They do their best to stay on budget. If they have a high vacancy, they will have overtime. Chief Ferreira reported that their 2020-21 budget was approved with a 10% reduction. Incidents will increase their overtime. Their overtime budget was cut 10%. All travel has been zeroed out. They are going into a real lean year and will cut back as much as they can. They will make use of available grants. With Covid- 19, they have not been able to bring in instructors and are doing virtual training. Commendations of Sworn and Civilian Employees: Deputy Chief Bugado reported receiving 35 commendations involving 39 personnel since the last police commission meeting. Five officers will be receiving certificates of merit for a life- saving incident, and Officer Robinson will receive a bronze medal. Other Department Activities: Chief Ferreira reported that they had hoped to start their bodyworn camera program, but are short IT personnel. The trainer comes from Arizona, so they will have to do the training virtually. They can do a presentation on the bodyworn cameras at the next meeting or another meeting. The 92nd recruit class graduation ceremony will be scaled back because of Covid-19. On August 1, they will make 14 sergeant promotions. Right now, he knows of 4 impending retirements by the end of the year. Public Works is finalizing plans for the joint Police -Fire Dispatch Center. He doesn't expect groundbreaking to start before the end of this mayor's term. Regarding the new Kea'au police substation and fire station, the issue has been finding an adequate location. Regarding maintenance of the Hilo station, maintenance is the first thing to go when the budget is cut. Painting