2005-07-15 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 15, 2005 Page 5 Chair Bertsch stated that he was very pleased with the department's performance and openness with the public. He strongly encouraged them to move forward with training. The mid -year report is very well written, and he is compelled to draft a letter to the Mayor and incorporate some of the language that's in the Chief's report. He impressed upon them to figure out a way to get their staffing up, both on the police force and civilian staff. Short staffing is probably one of the single most issues that the community sees and speaks to them about, and police officers themselves will attest to this. Oftentimes, the first thing out of an officer's mouth is that they are understaffed and overworked. He wants to make sure that it doesn't become an excuse for performance. Chief Mahuna stated that they will continue with continuous recruitment, and will try to emulate some of the Honolulu Police Department's recruitment methods. Commissioner Frazier endorsed sending a letter to the Mayor. Revisions to the Chief of Police Evaluation Form Commissioner Frazier stated that last year they had an issue with the ratings having no range. Chair Bertsch stated that the commission doesn't have enough working knowledge of what the Chief does to use the current form. He would like comments and suggested ranges for the evaluation form at the August meeting. He doesn't mind throwing away the evaluation form because he gets more out of the Chief's mid -year report. Commissioner Frazier stated that they do need a system and a form. Chair Bertsch asked each commissioner to submit to Ms. Pelayo, by August 5, a list of five topics they want to evaluate the Chief on. Annual NACOLE Conference (National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement) October 23 -26, 2005 Chair Bertsch stated that in the past, the Chair and Vice Chair attended the conference. However, they have had conflicts with who should attend. He will draft a proposal that should carry forward. Commissioner Frazier expressed an interest in attending, but he cannot endorse it because Commissioner Frazier attended last year's conference. The Mayor must approve any out -of -state travel, and the attendees must submit a written report to the Mayor. Commissioner Frazier stated that last year the commission felt that the attendees should not attend if they were ending their tenure that year. Commissioners Lassiter, Politano, and Frazier stated that they would like to attend the conference. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS • Complaint HPC 04 -12: (Investigated by Legal Eyes.) Complainant alleged that her calls for assistance have been ignored or brought no assistance, and that the police did not do their job in upholding a TRO. Commissioner Kaoiwi moved and Commissioner Frazier seconded that the complaint is unfounded. The motion carried unanimously. Complaint HPC 04 -24: (Investigated by Legal Eyes.) Complainant alleged that two officers used excessive physical force during his arrest. Commissioner Kaoiwi moved