2005-01-21 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes, Page 6 January 21, 2005 Review and Approval of 2005 Meeting Schedule. Ms. Pelayo informed that the next monthly meeting would be on February 11 instead of February 18, the third Friday of the month, because the recruit graduation will be on that day. Commissioner Hara encouraged all the commissioners to attend the graduation that honors the new recruits. Commissioner Frazier suggested that they also take time to meet with the rank. Meeting Format – suggestions and changes. Chair Bertsch stated that the meetings now start at 9:00, and they need to make a rule change. He would like to cover all administrative functions from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and recess from 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. they will handle complaints. The officers and complainants will be notified that they will be heard at 10:30 a.m. By this schedule, the Chief and his staff would not have to stand around during the complaint session. He asked that Captain Tavares or a represent be available during the 10:30 session. Complainants will be allowed to give a statement in open session, but he strongly suggested that any questions be done in executive session. He asked if the County would be open to liability if a complainant made allegations in open session and the newspapers printed it. Corporation Counsel suggested that they look into how the City and County of Honolulu conducts their investigations. Complaints are immediately referred to their investigator. The Hawaii Police Commission could have its investigator investigate every complaint. Ms. Pelayo stated that the Honolulu Police Commission holds a regular meeting every other month and twice a month they have executive session meetings for complaints. At one time the Hawaii Police Commission sent every complaint to its investigator, and its investigative budget went up to $60,000. Currently, it's at $30,000. Chair Bertsch stated that he would like to try the new meeting format at the next meeting — police business at 9:00 a.m. and complaints at 10:30 a.m. Commissioner Manago stated that he would like to give it a shot if it makes them more efficient and subject to less criticism. Chair Bertsch stated that they would change the format of the next meeting. Lunch recess was called at 12:28 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 1:35 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Mitchell motioned to meet 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 requested; to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92 -5 (2) and Hawaii County Charter Section 13 -20 (b); and to do the Chief of Police annual evaluation pursuant to HRS 92 -5 (a) (2) and Hawaii County Charter Section 13 -20 (b). Commissioner Lundkvist seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.