2002-05-17 Police Commission Minutes

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Minutes — Regular Session May 17, 2002 Page 5 Personnel: Assistant Chief Mahuna summarized the personnel report that was distributed. The 61St recruit class was started yesterday. They were able to get only ten recruits out of about 400 applicants. The screening process, which includes psychological and drug screening, is quite extensive. • Finance: Business Manager Maesato read the financial report that was distributed. • Commendation: Chief Correa commended the commission and staff for a well -done State Police Commission Conference. He does embrace the system that the commission has developed for Hawaii County, and feels they have the public's confidence and trust in this system. Vice Chair Hara thanked the Chief and his staff for helping with the conference. Chief Correa further reported that they received 15 commendations since the last meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None NEW BUSINESS - None ACTION ON EXECUTIVE MATTERS • Request for legal counsel by Officer Juergen Canda in Civil No. 02 -1 -0107 Corporation Counsel Ashida reported that this lawsuit was filed in state court after a federal court jury found in favor of the officers and the county. The facts are the same. The commission had previously determined that the officer had acted within the course and scope of his duties, and so formal action by the commission is not needed. • Investigation and Deliberation of Complaints Complaint HPC 02 -09: Complainant's motor home was stolen. He alleged that when it was located, the officers should have arrested the suspect at the scene but did not. Commissioner Manago moved to accept the complaint for further investigation. Commissioner Lambeth seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Complaint HPC 02 -11: Complainant was cited for "flipping the bird" at officers. She alleged that this is abuse of power. Vice Chair Manago moved to exonerate the officer. The incident occurred but was lawful and proper. Vice Chair Hara seconded the motion. Disccussion: Commissioner Lambeth suggested to the complainant that in the future, if she comes across an officer, to walk the other way because it seems that every time she meets one of them, there's a problem. Commissioner Bertsch stated that she is challenging the actual intent of the ticket. This is more of a legal matter, not a matter for the commission. The motion carried with Commissioner Lambeth casting a nay vote. Complaint HPC 02 -13: Complainant alleged that during his juvenile son's arrest, an officer choked him. He also alleged that his son was held unlawfully and his car impounded illegally.