2023-04-21 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 21, 2023 Page 3 Vice Chair Toci wanted to know how the department's relationship is with the prosecutor's office to ensure that cases go through for prosecution. Major Mahuna stated the department has a good relationship with the prosecutor's office. He further stated that the department has a policy, they want all cases disposed of in the most expeditious manner possible, but within 90 days. If there's a theft reported, a patrol officer will take the initial report. If it's a felony amount or if it's something that needs to be routed to detectives, it's routed to the Criminal Investigation Section, which investigates the case, and routes it to the prosecutor's office. Chair Robinson referred to the traffic report and stated he sees South Hilo, but he doesn't see North Hilo. There's also Kona, but there's no distinction between North and South Kona. AC Basque explained that several years ago, the department merged North Hilo and Hamakua together as one district. As far as Kona, they don't separate North and South Kona. They've spoken about separating the two in the past, but they've never done it. Vice Chair Toci asked where the boundaries are on Saddle Road. AC Basque stated on the new DKI Road, the Hilo and South Kohala boundary is near the Waiki`i ranch turn-off. Assistant Chief Andrew Burian stated his prior position was within the Technical Services Division, one of the sections in this division is the Traffic Services Section. Referring to Commissioner Quartararo's concerns he stated that normally, they are not consulted with by the Department of Transportation, they can make recommendations based upon studies that they do. Commanders submit traffic and crime trends reports monthly. If something needs to be addressed, the Traffic Services Section communicates with the Department of Transportation (state entity) or the Department of Public Works (county entity). It is not the purview of HPD to say where signs go or what the speed limit should be, but they do work together with those agencies. Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Burian reported as of April 17, 2023, sworn police vacancies are at 78 in the field, subtracting five in the 96t" recruit class and eight in the 97t", which puts them at 65 actual positions unfilled in the department. Of Communication Officer Positions, 44 are allocated, 28 are filled, and 11 are vacant. As for supervisors, four are filled and one is vacant, however, that vacant position will be filled on May 1, 2023. As of April 17, 2023, HPD had filled 419 out of 484 sworn positions (87%) and 125 out of 156 civilian positions (80%). Recruitment Activities: Assistant Chief Burian reported there are five recruits in the 96t" recruit class, they are in field training until April 30t". Four recruits will hit the road and begin solo assignments on May 1st, one will continue with field training for another month. The 97t" recruit class has eight members currently in academic training until July 15t", they'll go out on field training and then solo assignments on November 16t"