2003-09-12 Police Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes September 12, 2003 Page 4 • Personnel: Assistant Chief Chai summarized the written report. The 62nd recruit class is now training on the road with seasoned officers, and a new recruitment has already begun. Two applicants who left the department and are interested in returning, and two others are interested in transferring from the Maui PD. • Finance: Assistant Chief Chai summarized the written report • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported having seventeen commendations since the last meeting. • Commanders' meeting minutes of August 27, 2003: Chief Mahuna reported that at the last meeting, the administrative thrust was to preclude them from using the carotid chokehold. A chief's memorandum went out removing it from their training curriculum, and it will not be part of their repertoire of non - lethal force. A misapplication of the carotid chokehold could have some very lethal consequences. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that they are presently in looking into the visibility of police cars, police stations, and signage. The signage will make all stations visible and direct people to the receiving desks. They are also looking at changes in the uniforms, types of blue lights, decals, and a hybrid fleet. UNFINISHED BUSINESS • Correspondence 03 -56, copy of letter from Connie Molarius to police department requesting information on an assault case (deferred at July meeting): Chair Hara asked that Chief Mahuna follow -up and respond to Ms. Molarius. • Review of draft of revisions to General Orders 302 and 804: Commissioner de Silva stated that he read the General Orders on use of force, and it is very good. He appreciates the department's sensitivity to one person's thoughts that it should be reviewed. He likes it, and it goes even further than most departments. NEW BUSINESS Requesting information from police department: Chair Hara stated that this is in regards to Commissioner de Silva's motion at the previous meeting requesting information from the police department. During the meeting in Waimea, they did not have much time to look at the five items and would like to have discussion. Vice Chair Manago asked for Corporation Counsel's opinion on whether personnel records could be made available to them. While waiting for Corporation Counsel's response, Chair Hara read an excerpt from General Orders 303, C. 17, and stated that he had questions on whether members of the commission could sit in as observers, but according to General Orders, that's not part of the proceedings.