2005-07-15 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 15, 2005 Page 3 Personnel: AC Osorio entertained questions to the written report. Chair Bertsch stated that they toured the department and are very concerned about civilian staffing. They have nine civilian vacancies, but everyone in the department expressed a need for even more. Besides promoting the sworn positions at job fairs, they should also be promoting the civilian positions. AC Osorio stated that application forms are available on line. Commissioner Mitchell stated that she had an occasion to call dispatch and was horrified that the dispatcher did not know where Kalanikoa Street and other roads in Volcano were. AC Osorio stated that that should not have happened. Commissioner Kaoiwi stated that it disturbs him that in the last 15 -20 years the sworn staff has grown, but not the civilian staff. They need to knock on doors and plead for more staff because down the road they will have problems. AC Osorio stated that they would appreciate the commission's support with the County Council and the Mayor. Chief Mahuna stated that the RMS is designed to assist officers and take some of the workload off the civilian staff. They are trying to obtain laptops for officers to use in their vehicles so they can do their own checks. Finance: Accountant Kay Nishibayashi reported that they have just wrapped up fiscal year 2005 and have begun 2006. The commission will be receiving the detailed summary. They are now working on a new accounts payable, general ledger, and payroll system. Commissioner Kaoiwi expressed concern that the funds for vacancies have been taken away, and that they can no longer use the monies. Ms. Nishibayashi stated that the County Council took away funding for three positions, but then gave back one position. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving 11 commendations since the last meeting. Chair Bertsch stated that the commission would be sending thank you letters to staff who received commendations. Other Departmental Activities CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). Lieutenant Ron Paul briefed the commission on the accreditation program. The importance of getting accredited is that their directives and standards will be high. It also tells Corporation Counsel and other third parties that their standards are high. Once they get accredited, they need to continue with maintenance, and get reaccredited every three years. They will present it to the County Council when the fees are due. Once they make the initial payment, the clock starts, and they have three years to complete the accreditation process. The initial fee is approximately $25,000- $30,000.