2004-08-26 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Minutes of August 26, 2004 Page 3 The motion died with the following roll call vote: Aye: Frazier, Lassiter, Mitchell Nay: Bertsch, Muller, Lundkvist Commissioner Bertsch suggested that the same motion be made but to exclude "police misconduct." They should be notified of any complaint made to the police department. Commissioner Lundkvist stated that the deputy chief is not willing to provide names, but the motion doesn't say anything about that. Commissioner Bertsch motioned to keep the recommendation as it is. Commissioner Muller seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that the Hawaii County Police Commission is being provided information by the police department that is far greater than what the Honolulu Police Commission receives. As he understands it, the Honolulu Police Commission receives disposition reports without any reference to names. Here, the commissioners get that information. The Honolulu Police Commission doesn't get that information because of advice of their counsel who believes that it is legally inappropriate for them to get that information. This might open the door for litigation against the department or the commissioners. The commission really needs to focus or settle upon their mission, their purpose, and why they want this information. By law, the police department submits an annual report to the legislature of all misconduct. It's a public document. Commissioner Muller stated that they should follow their standard operating procedure, what they are supposed to be doing. Right now they're asking for a lot more. Commissioner Frazier stated that corporation counsel has made good, consistent, recommendations. The modifications are to enhance the productivity and the value of the commission. Just to write it off and say they don't need to go further is inappropriate. Ms. Pelayo inquired as to whether they wanted the actual copy of each complaint which would probably be similar to police commission complaints, and which often times have many pages. Commissioner Bertsch motioned to change "copy of the complaint" to "summary of the complaint." Commissioner Muller seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.