2010-04-23 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission April 23, 2010 Page 2 COMMITTEE REPORTS • Budget and Finance (Mende) —No report. • Office Management and Staffing (Whittemore) — No report. • Rules and Policies ( Sumja) — No report. • Contractual Services (vacant) • Public Relations /Information (Ignacio) — No report. Chair Whittemore asked the commissioners to let him know if anyone was interested in being on a particular committee. CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Assistant Chief Ferreira summarized the written report. The burglary rate in Puna has decreased, most likely a result of their newly formed task force. Traffic: AC Pacheco summarized the written report. Juveniles from Puna have been using the free Hele -On Bus to commit crimes in Hilo. A person from the mainland has been recruiting these juveniles. They recently issued trespass notices to five individuals prohibiting them from riding the Hele -On Bus and being in the Mo`oheau bus terminal area. Commissioner Ignacio stated that she has first hand knowledge from a former gang member about gang activity. The gangs in Hilo are connected to the Bloods, 18 years and older. According to this young man, they are early in the process, but are growing. When these young people are on the street, there is a void for them. This gang leader suggested opening up their place for activities. She inquired how they, as a community, could work towards change. They need to be proactive. Assistant Chief Pacheco didn't know of any outreach program. Deputy Chief Ferreira stated that the Dare officers work with the school resource officers, and they could work with Commissioner Ignacio's program. Personnel: Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported having 3 sworn vacancies, but anticipate some retirements this year. Commissioner Ignacio stated that there is a commonality in complaints about how they were treated rather than mistreated. She inquired about training in dealing with the public. Commissioner Sumja asked what could be done about applicants who do not score high on the written exam but are very suited for the job. AC Kanehailua stated that because of the very large number of applicants, they have to go by test rankings. There are some really good officers who would make very good sergeants, but they cannot pass the exam. They are making good strides in filling the school crossing guard positions.