2018-01-19 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 19, 2018 Page 3 summer. They have 22 civilian vacancies, 7 of which are dispatchers. They are actively recruiting for dispatchers, and do actual work interviews. With this type of interview, many found it was not a job for them. Nationwide, there is a shortage of dispatchers. One of their CIP project is a joint dispatch center with the Fire Department. Chief Ferreira stated that after each phase of testing, the number of qualified police recruits dwindle. As the economy improves, the number of applicants decrease. Being a police officer is a change in lifestyle. School crossing guards only work one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, which makes the position very hard to fill. Oftentimes, they hire someone, and then the school offers them a job. He will send the recruit's schedule to the commission to see if there is anything of interest. Finance Report: Chief Ferreira reported that they had a preliminary budget hearing on January 4 with the Budget Office. He told them they cannot cut anymore. They are already at 90% of their overtime budget. They are asking for more supervisors, not more officers. The Mayor's office will review their budget with advice from the Budget Director. Commendations of Sworn and Civilian Employees: Deputy Chief Bugado reported receiving 5 commendations involving 14 personnel since the last meeting. Other Department Activities: Deputy Chief Bugado reported that the Annual Misconduct Report to the Legislature contained cases that went before the ARB. Verbal and written reprimands were not in the report. They did not identify any trends. Chief Ferreira stated that the Police Department has a lot of experience with putting together training conferences and offered to assist the commission with its State of Hawaii Police Commission Conference. Chief Ferreira reported that during the erroneous missile alert, their dispatch center fielded 1,119 calls, which included dropped calls. They had no major incidents. Officers stayed on beat, and dispatchers stayed on line. Recruits and officers are reminded that they are first responders, and they cannot sit back at home. People would be allowed into the Police Department's lobby or receiving area during a crisis like this. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Morioka motioned to meet in executive session to consider discipline and charges against officers or employees of the Hawaii Police Department, to consider sensitive matters relating to public safety, to work on the Police Chief's annual evaluation, and may consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a) (2) (4) (6) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner Buckman seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:16 a.m.