2014-04-11 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai‘i Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 11, 2014 Page 2 continues with monitoring and has adjusted its schedule to respond better to calls. CPOs and neighborhood watches are being involved. Crime reports of where crime is occurring are emailed to neighborhood watch coordinators. They are putting together a video on preventing burglaries and being more aware. Puna has seen a decrease in burglaries. They keep putting out information. In Kona they continue to receive complaints about the homeless, activities in county parks, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles. The bike patrols continue to work with the public. Ka’u has seen a slight increase in thefts. A suspected juvenile was identified. Assistant Chief Kealoha reported that in North Kohala they recently experienced four incidents of fraudulent tax returns using names of four different people in the area. This is ID theft and a federal crime. Traffic report by area, category, and trends: Assistant Chief Kealoha reported that for the month of March, 4,245 citations were issued – moving/regulatory 2,864, seatbelt 405, child restraint 42, and speeding 934. DUI arrests are up and fatalities are down. Puna has had problems at intersections. CPOs in Puna are conducting traffic projects in Pahoa and Kea‘au. Speed studies continue in Glenwood to get people to slow down. They are participating in a statewide texting and driving campaign Personnel report on vacancies, recruitment, training, promotions, reallocations, severance from service, and work assignments: Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported having 47 sworn vacancies; with the recruits, it is 16. The recruits are in field training and are projected to hit the road in June. They are in the assessment phase for another police recruitment. Only three critical sergeant positions will be filled with the current list – one for Puna, CALEA, and JAS. They lost a criminalist to retirement. One evidence specialist took another position within the county. Of the 16 civilian vacancies, 10 are school crossing guards. Finance report of budget and expenditures: Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported being at 79.2% for targeted expenditures.Salaries and wages is at 81.2% due to unbudgeted salaries and wages increase. Chair Bertsch said equipment repairs are way above other line items. He asked if they are doing massive repairs of equipment or if they are reaching their lifetime. AC Kanehailua said, “Yes and yes.” They recently went through a walk through. Their equipment, building, and air conditioning all need repairs. Vehicles do not have a maintenance contract. Everything needs repairs. They identified this problem two years ago. All this falls under maintenance. Commendations of sworn and civilian employees: Chief Kubojiri reported receiving 9 commendations involving 27 employees since the last meeting. Other departmental activities: Chair Bertsch asked if they are looking to incorporate a stronger IT division to monitor social media. Chief Kubojiri said they