2003-12-19 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 19, 2003 Page 4 Commissioner de Silva inquired whether changes were made as a result of past problems regarding promotions. Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported that Chief Mahuna has implemented a merit -based promotion which is determined by a board that looks at testing, past performance, discipline, etc. Since Chief Mahuna has taken office, he has gone with the advice of the board. The board is made up of commanders in the area. Vice Chair Manago inquired into whether there was a feedback system for officers who were bypassed for promotions. Deputy Kubojiri stated that as part of the process, they are told that they could make an appointment with the Chief's office to discuss the promotion. Finance: Commissioner Bertsch stated that it they are expending a tremendous amount of overtime. Salaries and wages are at 30% and overtime is at 80 %. Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that there are a lot of different factors that come into play. The larger districts have more responsibilities, such as the cellblock. Holiday pay is overtime. Next year they should see a reduction because of positions being filled. However, they cannot fill positions of persons on extended sick leave. Major Day stated that sick leave, holidays, and weather adds onto overtime. If they err, they will err on the side of too many. The smaller districts don't have that much happening and their need for overtime is not that great. All they need is one person calling in sick, and they will have overtime. They have a sergeant from Kona doing duty in Kohala, and his pay comes out of Kona. Vice Chair Manago stated that part of the problem is that they have 33 vacancies. The true number should be 53 because the officers are still in recruit class. The only way to fill the shortage of bodies is with overtime. Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that because of the many ice search warrants, they are holding officers over. Officers work four days, have one day off, and spend at least one day in court. • Commendations: Presented at beginning of meeting. Commanders' meeting minutes: Commissioner Frazier encouraged the other commissioners to attend the commanders meetings which he found to be very informative. Other departmental activities: Chair Hara stated that because of recent complaints on the use of OC spray, they would have a presentation on its use. Officer Joseph Kealoha came before the commission and stated that he trains recruits on the use of OC spray. Officers are trained to draw the OC spray with their weaker arm so that they could use their stronger arm for their gun. It is recommended that