2004-12-10 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 10, 2004 Page 2 stickers. His solution would save the county from having a policeman pull over the vehicles. BILL EGERS, Complaint HPC 04 -47: Stated that he served on the County's real property tax review board, and that experience gives him appreciation for the Police Commission. He is there to improve police service. The officer should not be disciplined, but the matter should be discussed. He is an extremely deliberate and attentive driver. He was in the area of Keaau High School at 4:00 p.m. when he received his ticket. The only speed limit sign was one of 20 mph when children are present. He tried to talk to the officer and explain, but the officer was rude and abrupt. The area causes confusion, and he tried to talk to the officer about it. He could not read the citation or the officer's name or badge number. He had to go to the court to get a more legible citation. KANIU SEGOVIA, Correspondence 04 -78: Stated that she sent a letter to commend an officer and to point out that another officer was very rude to her. The incident involved her mentally ill and missing mother -in -law. One of the officers wouldn't listen to her and just shut her down. Officers need to continue to get training in handling families with members who are under distress. She wants to make sure that officers are trained, whether they are rookies or older. She has found that older officers are more willing to listen and are more compassionate. The officer stepped up into her face and asked if she was going to be a problem. She was trying to protect her mother -in -law who was incoherent and babbling. An EMT asked her if she knew what was wrong, and she told him that her mother -in -law was a schizophrenic with dementia. She did not initiate a police commission complaint because she did not intend to be punitive. Captain Webber called her and apologized. She hopes that the Captain would talk to the officer and that the budget includes funds for training. She believes that the problem was the officer's training or maybe his personality. Two officers that she spoke to responded differently. Captain Webber spoke to the officer, and he was surprised about the complaint because he didn't know he did anything wrong. Vice Chair Manago stated that they have seen the Police Department's budget reduced from $150,000 to $75,000. Corporation Counsel stated that the Chief and his highest- ranking officers heard her statement, and complaints are eventually referred to him. KEHAULANI RHONDA PRIETO requested reconsideration of her complaint HPC 04 -43. She gave the commission a copy of her police report in which the officer stated that $5,000 bail /bond was posted. She also gave the commission a copy of the District Court receipt stating that $10,000 bail /bond was posted. The officer said he gave her the warrant; he did not. This is written proof of her complaint. STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (EXECUTIVE SESSION) - Closed to the public Vice Chair Manago motioned to meeting in executive session to consider discipline and charges against officers or employees of the Hawaii County Police Department where consideration of matters affecting privacy will be involved and a closed session is