2015-03-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes March 20, 2015 Page 2 COUNCIL MEMBER GREGGOR ILAGAN came before the commission to speak on Correspondence 15-05, a draft of an amendment to the ordinance relating to the Neighborhood Watch Program. He distributed updated information. He stated that he is before the commission because they have the knowledge and experience with the police which he lacks. He will make a wiser decision with the commission seeing what he has to present. They want the program to be organized, have strong standards, and be flexible. Vice Chair Bertsch stated that he sees no problem with the proposals, and that he is on the right track. Community Watch Programs take the pressure off Community Policing Officers. Council Member Ilagan stated that he will continue working on this program and will vet it with the police department. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Commissioner Hendricks motioned to approve the minutes of February 20, 2015, regular and executive sessions. Commissioner Ono seconded, and it carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS • Correspondence 15-04, from Attorney Brian De Lima requesting counsel for Police Officer Jody Buddemeyer who was involved in a vehicle accident. • Correspondence 15-05, from Council Member Greggor Ilagan regarding a draft of a bill relating to the Neighborhood Watch Program in Hawaii County. Statements were taken at the beginning of the meeting. The commission took no action. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT ON DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES Including, but not limited to: • Crime report: Assistant Chief Tavares reported that up to February 28, they had 6,215 serious crimes, of which 1,359 were investigated by the Criminal Investigation Units. In the month of February, they received 7,627 calls for service. They had a slight increase in property crime in Downtown Hilo which is related to homelessness in the area. Latest statistics show there are over 100 homeless individuals in Downtown Hilo. They are working with property owners, although some owners do not want to prosecute. Two officers are being assigned to downtown Hilo with bikes and walking. Hamakua saw a slight increase in crime, specifically at the Honoka`a Club. They are working with management to increase security. Ka'u had a decrease in crime with no trends.