2003-08-22 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes August 22, 2003 Page 5 NEW BUSINESS • Rescheduling of the September 26 meeting to September 12 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Commissioners Bertsch and Lambeth informed that they would not be able to the meeting on September 12. Commissioner Lambeth moved to reschedule September's meeting from September 26 to September 12. Commissioner Muller seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Correspondence 03 -70, from the Honolulu Police Commission inquiring about a meeting during the HSLEOA conference. Chair Hara stated that according to the agenda, no meeting is scheduled. Commissioner Frazier stated that he would like to discuss problems with ice. • Correspondence 03 -74, from Chair Hara to Chief Mahuna regarding discussion of General Orders which covers internal and external complaints. Chair Hara stated that General Orders 301 and 302 is explicit that commanders are to handle complaints. However, one of the commissioners felt that if the police department handled all complaints and none went to the police commission, they would not be serving the public. There was also a concern that they might be sweeping complaints under the rug. When someone makes a complaint to the police department, that person could be given the option of referring it to the commander or going to the police commission, or both. Vice Chair Manago stated that at the last commanders' meeting the Chief stated that he would like to have the more serious complaints going to the police commission, and have his commanders handle others. People in Hilo can to go the commission's office, and Josie can explain the process. However, in Kona, there is no one to listen to the complainants and explain the process. Sometimes all that's needed is for someone to listen and try to fix the problem. They need to listen more, service the people, and fix the problem. Commanders need to take responsibility for their command. G.O.s state that they are to take responsibility for their subordinates. When there is complaint, the commander should talk to the complainant, give that person the option of having them handle it or going to the police commission. If they handle it, they should always get back to that person. Commissioner Bertsch disagreed. He stated that if a person files a complaint and talks to the sergeant, that process empowers what direction that complaint would go. He fears that there is an ability to screen the complaint at the desk, and there may be a perception of impropriety. They should look at how a complaint is handled at the first point of contact. They should immediately give the person a handout listing all options. He is not comfortable about leaving it at the discretion of the person at the desk.