2005-03-18 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes March 18, 2005 Page 3 In a recent drug warrant incident, Mr. Lindsey, the suspect, attempted to escape and almost ran over Detective Hodson. The suspect was charged with attempted murder. Mr. Lindsey has been known to them for many years. The officer did fire his weapon. Three airport interdiction officers were federally deputized by the DEA this month. They will be working mostly at Keahole Airport. They now can do the walk and talk, which means they can go up to someone suspected of carrying drugs and conduct a search. They are vice officers who work the airport in plain clothes. State law prohibits regular police officers to do this. Personnel: AC Osorio expressed his appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their work. He entertained questions to the written report, to which there were none. He reported that last week they participated in the Charm inade College job fair. They are contemplating running two recruit classes. Finance: Kay Nishibayashi entertained questions to the written report. Commissioner Frazier pointed out that telephone costs were exceptionally high in every district. He inquired about the possibility of using cell phones as equipment. Ms. Nishibayashi explained that the budget has not kept up with the phone charges. Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that the car radio has more coverage than the cell phone. They want assignments made over the radio so that they have a record of the call. When calls are made over the cell phone, there is no record. Commissioner Frazier inquired whether training would stop if they depleted the budget. Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that they have received funds from the State's AG forfeiture fund. Commissioner Frazier inquired whether the police commission could get funds for a new computer, to which AC Osorio stated that they don't even have funding for officers. Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that they want officers to write their reports on laptops, but they can't even find the money for 20 computers. Commendations: Deputy Chief Kubojiri, on behalf of Chief Mahuna who couldn't be there, thanked Commissioners Hara, Manago, and Muller for their work on the commission. The community benefited from their service, and they will all be missed. He pointed out that Commissioner Manago helped to get five additional positions for Kona. For the month of February, they received ten commendations. Chair Bertsch stated that the commission is now sending letters to officers who received commendations. He found that in many letters of commendations, several officers were commended. He would like the Chief's office to revamp the commendations report. Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported that they could list the number of officers commended in each incident. Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported that they currently have a problem solving committee to address shortages in staffing. Every district has a representative on the committee. They are working with a real estate agent to put together a cost of housing packet. They are also looking at mainland universities to bring people back home. He will get back to the commission about the possibility of a commissioner sitting on this problem - solving committee. • Other Departmental Activities: None.