2024-04-19 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai'i Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 19, 2024 Page 2 Area I experienced an increase in total crimes compared to the previous fiscal year. Of the 4,241 serious crimes, the Criminal Investigation Units in Area I and Area II investigated 570 cases: 342 in Area I and 228 in Area II. There was at least a 100% clearance rate in Area I in all categories except sexual assaults (91%). In Area 11, there was a clearance rate of 100% or more in auto thefts and attempted murders. • Calls for Service: Major Amaral reported for March 2024, the department received 10,211 calls for service. The fiscal year to date is at 91,328. Commissioner Quartararo inquired about Area II burglaries, noting a 90% clearance rate. Major Amaral responded, explaining ongoing investigations as the likely reason. He highlighted instances where clearance rates surged due to solving older cases. The clearance rates could change significantly next month. • Traffic Report: Acting Major Evangelista reported that as of April 5, 2024, for this fiscal year, traffic crashes are at 669, with 19 traffic fatalities, seven of which involved DUls. There have been 695 DUI arrests, which is up about 10% compared to last fiscal year. In March 2024, there were 68 DUI arrests compared to 83 the month prior. A total of 4,358 citations were issued: 3,117 for moving/regulatory, 282 for seat belts, 16 for child restraint, and 943 for speeding. The Chief's Office directed all district commanders to implement highway safety enhancement plans, emphasizing visibility and aggressive enforcement of traffic laws. Each commander devised a plan, mostly resembling each other, focusing on active presence on the roads and conducting vehicle stops. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 112 distracted driving enforcement projects, 90 impaired driving enforcement projects, 117 occupant protection projects (seat belts and child restraints), and 471 speeding projects. He highlighted that these figures only represent documented enforcement projects, not accounting for patrol officers' continuous efforts. Stressing collective responsibility, they need the public to remain vigilant, sober while driving, and attentive to other drivers on the road. Vice Chair Bertsch requested Acting Major Evangelista to clarify the nature of enforcement projects, particularly regarding distracted driving, for the benefit of new commissioners. Acting Major Evangelista explained that distracted driving involves using a mobile electronic device while driving, which is a violation of the law. They typically deploy spotters to identify such violations, then communicate with officers ahead to conduct traffic stops, engage with drivers, and potentially issue citations for the offense. Commissioner Quartararo clarified that wearing earbuds while driving isn't prohibited. A/Major Evangelista noted that although there's no specific ban, being distracted by them could lead to a citation for inattentive driving. When asked about surveys identifying dangerous areas, A/Major Evangelista mentioned they don't conduct traffic impact analyses or surveys for specific intersections. However, they do pay closer attention to areas with a high frequency of crashes.