2022-04-29 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 29, 2022 Page 2 Vice Chair Brown asked about the increase in assaults. Fiscal year to date, Area I has 549 compared to 412 last year. He asked if this is due to more reporting. Major Briski explained that it's a combination of things. Everyone in Area I, in Hilo especially has noticed an increase in homelessness and mental illnesses. This plays a huge factor; people are unable to get the help they desperately need, as our community lacks the resources. • Traffic Report: Assistant Chief Basque reported that as of April 7, 2022 traffic crashes are at 609, compared to 566 last year. Traffic fatalities are at 26 compared to 12 last year. The DUI fatality count is at 12 compared to 9 last year. For the month of March, there were 90 DUI arrests compared to 99 in February. For the Month of March 2022 5,420 citations were issued: 3,612 moving, 409 seat belt, 31 child restraint, and 1,368 were for speeding. Commissioner Toci asked about the increase in DUI traffic fatalities. She asked if the department has been increasing checkpoints. Assistant Chief Basque explained that just recently, COVID mandates were lifted, so they have been more aggressive with enforcement and DUI checkpoints. He stated that they should be seeing an increase in DUI arrests. Commissioner Toci stated going back to the crime report; thefts always seem to be the highest. She asked if the department has a theft unit. Major Briski stated that they do have a SEU (Special Enforcement Unit). With the state of the economy, we will probably be seeing an increase in thefts. There is also an increase in reporting. Vice Chair Brown asked about the increase in auto thefts. Major Briski stated that Area I had 37 altogether. When you break it down and look at the MO's, half of those vehicles were left unlocked or the keys were left within the vehicles. Community policing has been educating and encouraging people to lock their vehicles. Hilo isn't so sleepy anymore, people are looking for crimes of opportunity. He also mentioned that the numbers seem inflated at times, but many cases show that these people know each other (e.g. an ex -boyfriend or girlfriend). Commissioner Quartararo asked if they are finding a lot of repeat offenders. Major Briski stated that there have been many repeat offenders, especially with the court system due to the recent pandemic. It has been a struggle to keep offenders locked up or provide them with the help that they need, but this has always been a struggle and challenge. • Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Burian reported that through April 25, 2022 sworn police vacancies are at 62, actual in the field. There are currently 9 recruits in recruit class, actual positions unfilled is 53. Police Communications Officers actual number of positions they have is 44, 2 PCO positions, 22 filled, 17 vacant. There's a trainee starting on May 2, 2022. There is an open recruitment in order to fill the 16 vacant