2002-12-20 Police Commission Minutes

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December 20, 2002 Minutes — Page 2 The commission convened into executive session at 1:15 p.m. and reconvened back into regular session at 1:25 p.m. NEW BUSINESS • Confirmation of Major Harry Kubojiri as Deputy Chief Vice Chair Hara moved to accept the chief's selection of Major Harry Kubojiri as deputy chief. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Muller and unanimously carried. • Review of Police Department's Budget for Fiscal Year 2003 -2004 Vice Chair Hara questioned whether the 2003 -2004 budget was aligned with the department's five -year plan, to which Chief Mahuna reported that it was. Commissioner Manago stated that in 1997 -98 they had an equipment budget of $463,262. Their current equipment budget is $119,000. Over the years, they have been constantly cutting their equipment budget. There is very little they can do with this budget in replacing equipment that is outdated and worn out. They need to look at this. Commissioner Manago stated that four years ago the training budget was $100,000. The budget is now $75,000. Training is essential in putting qualified people out on the streets who are going to be more sensitive to the people of our community and who also know how to react to certain situations. Training is of paramount importance, and the budget needs to be increased. If they cannot fill their vacancies, they will be looking at even more vacancies in the future. They have to also project for officers in the schools. Chief Mahuna reported that he hopes to increase the training budget by 100 %. He has embarked on an executive management course which will entail more money. They have to continue their recruitment in order to fill mid and upper management level positions. Chief Mahuna further reported that he was instructed to keep the equipment budget at $119,000 to $150,000. This is only enough for radios. They will have to without replacing items such as vehicles and antiquated equipment. They cannot make any growth in the area of new equipment. There are areas where the repair costs far outweigh the cost of a new vehicle. Chief Mahuna reported that dispatch is where they have the highest overtime. They are now running minimum strength and have to call people back. They are looking at the UH to provide some of the training for dispatchers. They are also looking at dispatchers who are on workman's comp.