2013-05-17 Police Commission Minutes

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HawaiÒi Police Commission Regular Session Minutes May 17, 2013 Page 2 Crime report by area, category, and trends: Assistant Chief Tavares reported that up to the end of April, there were 6,995 serious crimes. For the month of April, the department received 7,699 calls for service Î 2,289 for criminal/traffic and 5,410 for miscellaneous public assistance. For crime trends, Hilo burglaries decreased. Their special enforcement unit continues to put the pressure on individual groups. An individual who was committing most of the burglaries in Hilo went into hiding in the Volcano area, and hence burglaries increased in Puna. The individual has since been arrested, and they anticipate a decrease in Area I burglaries. There were no crime trends detec Hmkua, South and North Kohala, and KaÓu. Kona experienced some camping violations with the homeless and juveniles drinking in public. Community policing officers are addressing these issues with enforcement and education. Traffic report by area, category, and trends: Assistant Chief Kealoha reported that for the month of April, a total of 4,011 citations were issued Î 2,772 for moving/regulatory, 257 for seatbelts, 49 for child restraint, and 933 for speeding. The DUI arrests and fatality count is down from last year at this sa For traffic trends, South Hilo reported 33 major traffic accidents. It seems to be consistent with cause and location. They scheduled traffic enfo speeding on Saddle Road. North Hilo and Hmkua had no trends. Puna had a 21% decrease in major traffic crashes which can be attributed to speeding. There were no traffic trends in South and North Kohala, Kona, and KaÓu. Commissioner Bertsch asked why they were targeting the Saddle Road. Assistant Chief Tavares stated that because of the design of the road, they have come across motorists driving in excess of 100 mph. There is a very dangerous area at the 11 mile marker going towards Hilo where the road narrows down and is winding. They are also working with the State on traffic devices to slow motorists down. Commissioners Bertsch stated that he wants to be sure they donÓt focus so much on the Saddle Road that they are neglecting other areas. Commissioner Tavares said that is not happening. Commissioner Ono stated that the Saddle Road is now a commuter road. If you drive 55 mph, people zoom past you. Personnel report on vacancies, recruitment, training, promotions, reallocations, severance from service, and work assignments: Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported that they now have 43 sworn vacancies. Within the last two weeks, three officers decided to take a different career path. Nineteen recruits will be on the road on July 16. They have vacancies for 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, and 9 sergeants. They have 19 PO III positions that need to be filled. These are for CPOs, SROs, and various specialized units. With transfers, there will be a total of 51 different moves in the next month or so. They have 5 intergovernmental movements, persons who are already seasoned officers. One officer has about 22-23 years service with the Honolulu PD. The others have 2-9 years. They are now working with Field Training