2005-11-18 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes November 18, 2005 Page 2 COMMUNICATIONS • Vice Chair Lassiter moved and Commissioner Kaoiwi seconded to accept the communications for filing. The motion carried unanimously. COMMITTEE REPORTS • Budget and Finance (Frazier): No report. • Office Management and Staffing (Robinson /Mitchell): No report. • Rules and Policies (Bertsch /Lundkvist): Chair Bertsch reported that after many months, they were able to institute rule changes. He thanked everyone for helping to make positive changes and streamlining their process. • Contractual Services (Frazier): No report. • Public Relations (Bertsch /Lassiter): Vice Chair Lassiter reported that she was on her way to Miami, Florida for the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement Officials Conference (NACOLE) when a hurricane struck Miami, and the conference was cancelled. CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Assistant Chief Day summarized the written report. They are doing relatively well with clearances. Area II has over 100% clearance due to clearances from prior crimes. They are continuing with same the issues — ice task force, vice units, airport interdiction. They hope to have the Cooper Center substation in Volcano ready for use in about two to three months. Commissioner Mitchell reported that the Volcano Community has been receiving help from the Police Department, especially Community Policing Officer Kimo Siemann, with derelict houses that kids and druggies use for clubhouses. They are trying to get these houses fixed up or sold. Commissioner Steckel informed about break -ins and a suspicious area in Puueo. Assistant Chief Day will look into the area. Personnel: Assistant Chief Osorio entertained questions to the written report. Chair Bertsch stated that he is still concerned about the allocation of resources, and begged them to look at the numbers. The crime rate is much more in Kona. He wants solutions. Commissioner Morimoto stated that he mirrors Chair Bertsch's sentiments. The Kona side is shorthanded, and they need help. He wants more officers in the West side. Assistant Chief Osorio stated that they could help by encouraging young people to put in a job application. Shortage in police personnel is a nation -wide problem. Captain Tavares stated that it takes two to three months to complete background checks, depending on the cooperation of employers and neighbors.