2005-07-15 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 15, 2005 Page 4 UNFINISHED BUSINESS • Required notification to complainant of the commission's findings in an investigation. At the previous meeting, Commissioner Politano Steckel requested that they provide more information to the complainant than what is currently given. Chair Bertsch stated that they were all given copies of the form letters notifying complainants of their findings. He reviews each letter and has the ability to make changes. He asked Ms. Pelayo if she thought changing the wording of the letters would make a difference in whether or not the complainant questions the commission's decision. Ms. Pelayo stated, "No." Usually the complainant just doesn't agree with the commission's findings. Chair Bertsch stated that he agrees the letter should make the complainant feel good, but they have to be careful and prudent in the message they deliver. In special circumstances, he does change the letter as necessary. Recess was called at 10:25 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:45 a.m. INVESTIGATION AND DELIBERATION OF COMPLAINTS • STATEMENTS ON COMPLAINTS (open to the public) — None. EXECUTIVE SESSION (closed to the public) Commissioner Frazier moved and Commissioner Lundkvist seconded 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 would be involved and a closed session is requested and 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). The motion carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:47 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 11:25 a.m. NEW BUSINESS • Semi - annual evaluation of Chief Lawrence Mahuna and review of his 2005 goals. Chief Mahuna responded to questions to his mid -year report of the police department's goals. He stated that his job is to provide the best training and equipment to his officers because he and his administrators are not on the street with them. Everything they look at is for the health and safety of the police officers. A pilot program of laptops in vehicles will start in October. Testing will take about three months. Commissioner Frazier stated that he feels much better with this year's mid -term report which is now quantitative as compared to the previous report. He encouraged Chief Mahuna to keep up the good work. The other commissioners were also impressed with the status report.