2013-09-20 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawai‘i Police Commission Regular Session Minutes September 20, 2013 Page 2 (Vice Chair Ignacio arrived at 9:09 a.m.) POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT ON DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES Including, but not limited to: Crime report by area, category, and trends. Assistant Chief Tavares reported that the crime trend in the district of Hilo is still thefts of Toyota Tacomas. The Puna district had a slight trend in thefts in the Kalapana area. Investigations continue. Assistant Chief Kealoha reported that Kona continues to have problems with homelessness. A team of individuals from various county agencies are working to deal with the problem. There were no crime trends in the other districts. Traffic report by area, category, and trends Assistant Chief Tavares reported that the fatality rate has decreased substantially from this same time last year. There were no traffic trends in Hilo. To address community complaints of speeding, a stealth device was installed in Glenwood and then Ookala. The device is for intelligence gathering and monitors speeds for 24 hours. The device saves in man hours when trying to substantiate the complaints. Assistant Chief Kealoha reported that another traffic trend is speeding on the new saddle road. The speed board is up, and they are doing enforcement 24/7. Next month they will have stats on the new saddle road. Personnel report on vacancies, recruitment, training, promotions, reallocations, severance from service, and work assignments Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported having 37 sworn vacancies. This does not account for the recruits in training. One recruit just resigned. A Honolulu PD veteran officer transferred to Hawai‘i County and is in an accelerated program as PO II. Transfers go through the same screening as the recruits. They will have open recruitment for entry level recruits this year, possibly in October. They are having a difficult time filling positions for school crossing guards. It’s a part-time job with short hours, and the turnover is great. Finance report of budget and expenditures Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported that they expect the overtime to taper off when the recruits are on the road. Commendations of sworn and civilian employees Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported receiving ten commendations since the last meeting. Vice Chair Ignacio commended a woman for her pleasant demeanor when answering the phone at the Waimea police station. Other departmental activities Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported that they had to explain to Public Works about the police issued parking permits used in areas such as the Aupuni Center and County Building.