2024-10-18 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 18, 2024 Page 2 • Traffic Report: Major Shopay reported there were 243 traffic crashes this fiscal year, compared to 196 last year. At the time of the report, traffic fatalities were at three (it has since increased to four), compared to four the previous year. DUI arrests are at 258 compared to 230. In September 2024, there were 89 DUI arrests, compared to 86 in August. In September 2024, 5,779 citations were issued, including 3,819 for moving/regulatory violations, 342 for seat belt violations, 35 for child restraint violations, and 1,378 for speeding. Additional discussion addressed the increased costs of vehicle repairs, which possibly contributed to a higher number of reported accidents. The conversation also touched on the tragic fatality that occurred at the intersection of Highway 190 and Waikoloa Road. • Personnel Report: Major Bird reported that as of September 30, 2024, there are 90 sworn police vacancies in the field, minus 15 from the 99t" recruit class, 14 from the 100t" recruit class, and 16 in the 101 St recruit class, and they have 45 actual sworn positions unfilled. For police communication officers, they have 26 filled and 13 vacant. All five supervising police communication officer positions are fully staffed. Overall, the department has filled 437 of 484 sworn positions (90%) and 127 of 158 civilian positions (80%). Major Bird gave an update on the progress of the current and upcoming recruit classes, along with the ongoing efforts to recruit for Police Officer I positions. • Finance: Major Bird reported that HPD's overall expenditure target was 30.29%, with the actual expenditure at 30.84%. The target for salaries and wages was 29.17%, with the actual figure at 30.04%. Regular salaries and wages were at 26.14%, overtime salaries and wages at 96.88%, and miscellaneous salaries and wages at 51.69% Commissioner Tavares arrived at 9:22 a.m. • Other Department Activities: Acting Chief Burian shared that Ohana Night was held this past Tuesday, for recruits who have recently started field training. The event included a recognition ceremony with support from Peer Support, chaplains, and SHOPO, emphasizing departmental backing as recruits transition from classroom training to being out on the road. Major Bird added that the feedback from recruits was very positive. She explained the transition from structured classroom hours to the shift schedule of field training can be challenging. Having families attend allowed them to ask questions, put faces to names, and connect in a relaxed setting, as the informal gathering without uniforms helped facilitate open conversation. She clarified that this event does not replace the formal ceremony planned for recruits once they complete their field training.