2025-12-19 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes December 19, 2025 Page 8 Motion: Commissioner Urban-Smith moved that Ms. Simmons contact the top eleven candidates to inform them that their names would be released as top candidates and to confirm whether they wished to proceed in the process. The motion further authorized inviting candidates to participate in in-person interviews in Kona on January 29 and/or January 30, with Ms. Simmons and Ms. Correa coordinating interview scheduling based on candidate availability and the number of candidates who accept, using one or two days as necessary. Commissioner Botelho seconded the motion. There was no discussion, and the motion carried unanimously. DCCSalas-Ferguson asked when application packets should be distributed. The Commission requested that they be provided as soon as possible. Background Checks and Conditional Offer:Commissioner Tavares raised the issue of formalizing a process for background checks, psychological evaluations, and related assessments for the selected candidate, noting that such requirements are standard for sworn officers and should be considered prior to finalizing an offer for Chief of Police. Discussion followed regarding whether these evaluationswould be necessary for candidates who are already sworn officers,and the use of a conditional offer of employment. The Commission requested that Ms. Simmons provide recommendations and a framework for consideration, and she agreed to do so. DCCSalas-Ferguson advised that if interviews are to be conducted the following month, interview questions would need to be finalized. Candidate Notification and Scheduling:Ms. Simmons asked whether a response deadline should be included in candidate notification letters. The Commission agreed to establish January 20 as the deadline for candidates to respond. Ms. Simmons stated she would notify candidates by Monday and include the January 20 deadline. Ms. Correa reported that the Kona Council Chambers had been reservedfor a special meeting on January 29 and that the regular meeting on January 30 was already scheduled to be held in Kona. DCCSalas-Ferguson stated that following the January 20 deadline, once the list of interviewees is finalized, candidate names may be released to the public. Interview Questions:The Commission reviewed and discussed sample finalist interview questions. It was agreed that Commissioners would individually review the questions and select preferred questions from each category. Commissioner Tavares requested a survey to collect rankings. Motion:Commissioner Tavares moved that Human Resources support the Police Commission by providing sample finalist questions to be ranked individually by each