2024-12-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai'i Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 20, 2024 Page 4 net gain, aided by continuous processing and the switch to three recruit classes per year. • Budget Presentation: Chief Moszkowicz explained that departments are currently compiling and reviewing their operating budgets with County Finance. Once finalized, the budgets are reviewed and approved by the mayor. In March/April, County Council is presented with the preliminary budget. Afterward, the mayor may include supplemental requests. In May, the final budget proposal is presented by the mayor to County Council, which holds additional hearings, allowing County Council members to propose amendments. Once approved in July, the CFY budget cycle begins again. If County Council does not approve a final amended budget, the mayor's May proposal becomes the CFY budget by law. Chief Moszkowicz outlined the department's budget priorities and supplemental budget requests, which include 48 items, such as the need for additional patrol officers in rural districts. The department has reprogrammed operating expenses to purchase new vehicles and plans to request five new blue-and-white vehicles annually, maintaining a replacement schedule. The budget also includes administrative and technology positions to support operations, along with funding for ground clearing, fencing in Kona, and dictation software. The total supplemental requests amount to just over $4.8 million. While he doesn't expect all requests to be approved, he emphasized that they will present them to County Council for consideration. Commissioner Buckman inquired about potential retention incentives to address the spike in retirements. Chief Moszkowicz explained they are exploring options, but it involves collaboration with Human Resources, which can be a lengthy process. A program is being considered by the state and other counties, but it requires legislative approval and input from the Employees' Retirement System to assess feasibility. In the meantime, discussions are underway with DHR and Finance to rehire retirees on a contract basis while they continue collecting their retirement, focusing on hard-to-fill positions. Monetary retention incentives are also included in the bargaining unit contract. There was further discussion regarding crisis intervention training. Currently, about 20% of the department is trained, with the goal of eventually training 100% of patrol officers and recruits. The next training is scheduled for January or February. Commissioner Tavares asked about the difference between a blue-and-white vehicle and a subsidized vehicle. Chief Moszkowicz explained that officers primarily use their subsidized vehicles, which are personally owned and lack features like a prisoner cage. Policy allows transporting arrested individuals in subsidized vehicles, but for violent, uncooperative, or evidence-related situations, a blue-and-white vehicle is used. Another officer retrieves the blue-and-white vehicle from the station for such transports.