2024-06-21 Police Commission Regular Minutes

Home

Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes June 21, 2024 Page 3 Commissioner Buckman inquired about DUI arrests, specifically asking about the percentage of cases involving substances other than alcohol. AC Basque mentioned he didn't have the exact statistics on hand but clarified that the report covers all forms of impairment, not just alcohol. Commissioner Buckman wondered about the prevalence of alcohol versus other substances, and AC Basque indicated that alcohol-related cases typically outnumber others, although not all cases involve alcohol. Commissioner Tavares noted a 15% increase in DUI arrests from April to May and questioned whether this was due to increased police presence or specific events like graduations. AC Basque confirmed that graduations, the start of summer, and more manpower on the road contributed to the increase. He explained that multiple factors combined to result in higher arrest numbers, typically observed during holiday seasons and periods of enhanced enforcement efforts. • Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Burian reported that as of May 30, 2024, there are 84 sworn police vacancies in the field, minus 16 from the 99t" recruit class, and 17 from the 100t" recruit class and they have 51 actual positions unfilled. For police communication officers, they have 27 filled and 14 vacant. All five supervising police communication officer positions are fully staffed. Overall, the department has filled 435 of 484 sworn positions (90%) and 125 of 157 civilian positions (80%). Police Officer I Recruitment Activities: The 100t" recruit class comprising 17 recruits, is undergoing academic training until September 30, 2024. The 99t" recruit class, consisting of 17 recruits transitioned to FTO on May 16t", they started with 23 new hires in November 2023. The 98t" recruit class moved to solo assignments on May 16t" The 101st recruit class is scheduled to start on July 16, 2024, with 63 candidates passing the written exam and 58 participating in the agility test (including eight retakes), resulting in 19 eligible applicants progressing to the vetting process. Anticipations are to begin the class with at least 17 recruits. The 102nd recruit class is scheduled to start on November 18t", they have conducted two agility test sessions. Eighteen applicants passed the written exam. on May 8t" they received 17 referred names, including 13 with the November class halfway through the process. Additional agility tests are planned for early July and August to facilitate background checks. In dispatch, a few new hires are currently undergoing training, with two more scheduled to start in mid-July. Commissioner Bertsch inquired about the progress of the new dispatch center. AC Burian responded that it is nearing completion, expected in August or September. Chair Robinson inquired about the resignations of temporary police officers mentioned in the report. AC Burian clarified that the position was a recruit. Chair Robinson then asked about administrative discharges. AC Burian explained that such discharges often result from injuries, whether work-related or not. He added that they generally provide