2023-10-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 20, 2023 Page 6 o Critical incident in Keaau on Friday, September 22, 2023, involving two brothers, one armed. Upon officers' arrival, one brother fled with a handgun, leading to an overnight search. The next day, on Saturday officers received information on his whereabouts. Body-worn camera footage was released as officers approached the location. During a chase in a wooded area, the suspect fired a round. Amid radio confusion, officers believed the suspect was detained, but he fired at them. In response, officers returned fire, eventually striking, and killing the suspect. One officer thought they were hit but later discovered the bullet struck their Laser, which absorbed the impact, and captured the projectile. o The promotion ceremony is set for November 2, 2023, at approximately 5.30 p.m. It will take place at the West Hawaii Civic Center, either outdoors or in the Council Chambers. Commissioner Lassiter praised Chief Moszkowicz for organizing an outstanding lineup of speakers at the HSLEOA Conference. She expressed admiration for the knowledge and experiences shared, remarking that it was a fantastic conference overall. Commissioner Bertsch referenced the personnel graph and inquired about the funded positions, stating he believes there were additional funded positions since 2017. Chief Moszkowicz mentioned that the funded positions had risen from 460 to 483 initially and later increased to 484 after another addition. He noted there was a point in time where positions were added, but the staffing number climbed to fill those positions. Commissioner Bertsch suggested overlaying that data, proposing a review at the next police commission meeting. Chair Robinson inquired about the caliber of the weapon that fired the bullet into the officer's Laser, to which the chief responded 9 millimeters. Chair Robinson recalled an incident from an old article in the paper where Police Commissioners used to possess badges. However, due to one commissioner attempting to portray themselves as a police officer and encountering trouble, these badges were revoked. Upon joining the commission, they received plastic tags, beneficial for identification purposes when picking up their packets or other necessities at police stations. Recently, these IDs were also taken away. Chair Robinson questioned the necessity of identification for them. Presently, they are unable to enter the stations and must knock on the door like any other visitor. DCC Frenz clarified her discussions with Chief Ferreira, Chief Bugado, Managing Director Lee Lord, and the Mayor regarding multiple layers of purpose, discussed in open and in executive sessions. She emphasized the rules governing the Police Commission, the commissioners' roles, and their separation from Police Department duties. Highlighting the importance of preventing conflicts of interest, she mentioned that commissioners should not conduct investigations at the Police Department but