2023-07-21 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 21, 2023 Page 2 There was a discussion between Vice Chair Toci and AC Quiocho focusing on thefts and efforts to deter them. This included the mention of prior collaborative efforts with stores. Commissioner Quartararo inquired about the procedure when he becomes a witness to a crime or when reporting a crime. He raised concerns about whether his name would be disclosed to the perpetrator at the time of reporting. AC Quiocho confirmed that such information is disclosed. This led to a broader conversation encompassing issues such as the potential deterrence in reporting crimes, legal cases, hesitancy to report, and the significance of anonymous complaints. Commissioner Quartararo wanted to know the value of neighborhood watch programs. In response, AC Quiocho elaborated on the positive impact of such programs, highlighting their role in enhancing community vigilance, responsiveness, and information sharing related to possible crimes or suspects. The key benefits of neighborhood watch programs were outlined as follows: enhancing information dissemination, fostering a collaborative relationship with law enforcement, and nurturing a sense of communal vigilance and mutual support among neighbors. Chair Robinson wanted to know the difference between aggravated assaults and attempted murders. AC Quiocho clarified that the severity of the injury and the intent behind the incident play a pivotal role in determining the appropriate charge. He further indicated that statistical data might not consistently reflect the eventual outcome of a case, as plea agreements or modifications to charges could lead to changes in the charges initially presented. • Traffic Report: Major Bird reported that as of July 11, 2023, traffic crashes are at 890, compared to 811 last year. Traffic fatalities are at 24 compared to 34 last year. The DUI fatality count is at 14, compared to 21 last year. DUI arrests are at 955, compared to 1,014 last year. For the month of June 2023, there were 67 DUI arrests compared to 89 in May 2023. For the month of June 2023, a total of 5,064 citations were issued: 3,488 for moving/regulatory, 345 for seat belts, 18 for child restraint, and 1,213 for speeding. Chair Robinson referred to the DUI fatality count within the county, highlighting a decrease from 21 last year to 14 this year. He inquired whether this difference would remain statistically significant if observed over a longer timeframe. In response, Major Bird was unable to provide a statistical comparison covering an extended period of time. • Personnel Report: Major Shopay reported sworn police vacancies through July 17, 2023, are 78 in the field, not including seven in the 97t" recruit class, with a total of 64 actual positions unfilled. There are 28 filled positions and 11 vacancies for police communication officers, and five filled positions with zero vacancies for supervising police communication officers. The department has filled 420 of the 484 sworn