2005-06-17 Police Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes June 17, 2005 Page 3 Commission Kaoiwi questioned whether the vehicles would be able to handle the rough roads of Puna. Some years ago the county had some fleet vehicles, and it didn't work out because of the poor road conditions. Chair Bertsch stated that back in December they decided that Vice Chair Lassiter would be the commission's representative on the fleet committee. The meetings are open, and anyone could attend. If they have questions or concerns, they could give it to Ms. Pelayo who could then forward it to the committee. CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Major Derek Pacheco summarized the written report. • Traffic: Major Derek Pacheco summarized the written report. Chair Bertsch stated that he believes the drop in the traffic statistics is due to the department's proactive response in the use of speed boards, radio messages, and the Traffic Enforcement Unit. He thanked the Chief and the department for making a big difference. • Personnel: Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported having 63 sworn and 9 civilian vacancies. The 66th recruit class is scheduled to commence next month with 10 candidates. They now have 50 applicants to screen for the next class. They have a mix of both new and returning applicants, and believe it is attributed to the county's job fairs around the island. The County Council did approve funds for the cadet program. Chair Bertsch stated that during their tour of the station yesterday, every supervisor stated that they were seriously backlogged and seriously understaffed. In looking at the civilian vacancies of nine, he got the impression from the supervisors that they could use twice as many people. It looks good to have more police officers, but without the support staff, they can't function adequately. They need to get civil service to help fill the clerical staff. Commissioner Lundkvist stated that the problem is with education here in Hawaii. The problem is in the schools, not with the police. If they don't have qualified people, they can't fill the positions. Chief Mahuna stated that in collaboration with the community college, they are working on testing- taking and reading comprehension for police officers and civilian staff. Chair Bertsch stated that Hawaii Community College is putting on classes for physical fitness, reading comprehension, and how to take tests. Whether it's for a police officer or clerical staff, the applicant still has to pass the background check, drug screening, and the high standards of the police department. The path can be arduous and also exclusive. Commissioner Steckel stated that maybe the newspapers could do a story on how individual sections of the police department work and what's going on in the streets.