2025-06-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes June 20,2025 Page 4 AC Bird reported that HPD plans to launch a new program called “Versaterm”at the end of July and would like to provide a presentation to the commission at the next meeting. The program will enhance communication with victims by sending automated text updates regarding officer response, report numbers, case status, and investigator information. Vice Chair Bertsch noted that the current monthly reportdoes not reflect the significant work being done by the Vice Section, including notable seizures and arrests. He acknowledged thatregardingnarcotics enforcement.For the commission to fulfill its oversight responsibilities, he emphasized the need for greater transparency regarding the unit’s activities. He suggested this could be included in the crimereport or presented separately, possibly by the Deputy Chief, and encouraged staff to consider how best to incorporate this information into future reports. There wasdiscussion regarding concerns about bail and the judicial system. Chair Robinson expressed frustration over repeat offenders being released on lowered bail and the resulting risk to the community. Vice Chair Bertsch raised the idea of the commission sending a letter to the judiciary to express concern and request oversight. DCCSalas- Ferguson advised that may fall outside the commission’s authority, which is limited to oversight of the Police Department. While there was discussion about simply voicing an opinion, DCC Salas-Ferguson cautioned that any formal communication from the commission may still exceed its scope;he agreed to look further into the matter. UNFINISHEDBUSINESS Police Commission's Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) on Rules of Practice and Procedure Amendments: The PIG's findings and recommendations are still in process and will be deferred. NEW BUSINESS Correspondence No. 25-13: Invitation to 69th Annual HSLEOA Conference: Chair Robinson noted that the conference will be in Waikiki from September 3-5. Commissioners Robinson,Botelho,Bertsch, and Enriquezexpressed their intention to attend. NEW BUSINESS Discussion regarding the 2026 State of Hawai'i Police Commissioners' Conference: The Hawai‘i County Police Commission will host the 2026 conference. Commissioner Tavares inquired about the host commission's responsibilities. Vice Chair Bertsch explained that the commission secretary handles all logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, invitations, welcome bags, and organizing the theme and speakers.He further noted that while it’s not a heavy lift, it does place a significant burden on the secretary. Typically, a commissioner is designated to assist and help manage the planning process.