2009-04-17 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 17, 2009 Page 4 consoles for dispatch. The $89 million new radio system is still in progress, but they don't have any money of it. • Finance: There was no discussion on the written report. • Commendations: Chief Kubojiri reported receiving 15 commendations in the past month, 7 from South Hilo, 3 from Puna, 1 from Hamakua, 3 from Kona, and 1 from North Kohala. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Kubojiri reported that they started the bike patrol in Hilo, and they have been patrolling the Keaukaha and beach park areas. They had one bicycle chase in which they apprehended an individual who was on foot. The business community really appreciates this. They hope to expand to Kona and Waimea. They recently got word that OHA is willing to give them a grant to expand their bike patrols. Chair Whittemore stated that an OHA trustee told him that he really likes the idea of bike patrols, and they will be meeting soon. Chief Kubojiri reported that they are working on an on -line survey. They want to know how the public perceives them and whether they are meeting their mission statement. It is a tool that will help them. They hope to announce this at Police week. Chief Kubojiri was asked to send only a summary of the commendation letters to the commission rather than every letter. Chief Kubojiri stated that this was national telecommunications week, and they had a luncheon for all dispatchers. Commissioner Politano Steckel stated that Deputy Chief Ferreira's memo regarding telephone courtesy is very important and it needs to be reinforced. She has seen what a voice can do, even on the phone. In response to Commissioner Politano Steckel's inquiry, Chief Kubojri stated that they have a policy whereby officers have to keep people informed about the status of their complaint. They should respond within a few days rather than have people wait. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS Statements on Complaints - None. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Commissioner Sumja moved 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 to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues that pertain to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92 -5 (2) and Hawaii County Charter Section 13 -20 (b). Commissioner Politano Steckel seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:40 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 1:35 p.m.