2001-10-19 Police Commission Minutes

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October 19, 2001 Regular Session Minutes Page 5 They completed a year -long undercover investigation which was funded by a Byrne Memorial Grant. They recognized that they had a problem with property crimes, specifically in Hilo and Puna. They were not able to pinpoint how the stolen properties were being disposed. Subsequently, they opened a shop in Hilo that was run by an undercover police officer as the front for a fencing operation. They were successful in identifying individuals involved in residential burglaries in Hilo and Puna and made significant cases which will be referred to the prosecutor's office for grand jury action. They also made several drug cases as well as a gambling operation that was conducted within their shop. Two old cases, the Chiquita homicide that occurred about 13 years ago and the Peter Kema case have been referred to the prosecutor. The Morton Bassan (Kau Gold Oranges) case is still under investigation, and the investigative reports have been referred the prosecutor. They are also working on some major cases in West Hawai'i. Traffic: Assistant Chief Hickcox entertained questions on the traffic report that was distributed. In response to Vice Chair Manago's inquiry, he stated that they have had two to three DUI roadblocks in the past month. However, most of the funds have been exhausted He also reported on enhanced security issues as a result of September 11. For the past three weeks they have been assessing various sites and gathering information for input into a database. Officers are being educated in response issues for weapons of mass destruction and have procedures and policies in place. However, they are lacking in personal protective equipment for their first responders. To date they responded to 18 anthrax cases, none of which were positive. They are now working with a checklist to see whether or not an officer needs to respond, otherwise only fire personnel responds. Officers are being educated to look for sites in the area of fuel, power, and water. Homeland defense now rests on the police department. The Special Response Team was scheduled to receive their advance training from the Honolulu Police Department last week, but because of the incidents in Honolulu, that was cancelled. It has not yet been rescheduled. Personnel: Chief Correa reported having six sworn and five civilian vacancies. They will be initiating another recruit class soon. Finance: Chief Correa reported that they have made all their budget cuts, but they are still short $1.8 million. Monies for position vacancies are being used to pay overtime. When funds are exhausted, compensatory time off will have to be taken. • Commendations: Chief Correa reported receiving fifteen commendations since the last meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS