2018-12-21 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 21, 2018 Page 2 • Traffic Report: Assistant Chief O'Connor reported that DUI arrests decreased. Kona gives out the most citations, but most fatalities are in Kona. Commissioner Paiva stated that they should take a proactive approach and educate the public with PSAs. AC O'Connor further reported that in November, 4,981 citations were issued: 3,680 moving/regulatory, 335 seatbelt, 24 child restraint, and 942 for speeding. • Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Thomas reported that they will have 44 sworn vacancies at end of the year. Twenty-three recruits just started. The 87th recruit class has 11 officers who went solo this month. • Finance Report, including the Police Department's 2019-20 Proposed Budget: Assistant Chief Thomas reported that in February they will totally deplete their overtime budget which is mostly due to the lava event. On January 4, they will meet with County Finance over their budget. All departments were told to make a 3% cut. They were not able to do it and made a 2% cut. They did supplemental budget requests in which they requested additional supervising personnel and additional dispatchers. They also requested funds for a body camera program which included two additional personnel. When they run out of overtime money, they have to go back to County Finance for funding. Chair Hendricks stated that the commission is on record advocating for building maintenance. Assistant Chief Thomas stated that the proposed new fire/police dispatch center will be at its own location away from the fire station. • Commendations of Sworn and Civilian Employees: Chief Ferreira reported that Sam Thomas is the new Assistant Chief of Administration. He replaced Marshall Kanehailua. They had 7 commendations involving 19 personnel since the last meeting. • Other Department Activities: Chief Ferreira reported that the North Hilo and Hamakua districts have merged together. Officers now report to Honoka`a and then respond from N. Hilo and Hamakua. They put out a Chief's memo that officers need to respond to the Police Commission regarding complaints. They are considering having the commander issue the complaint. They submitted their budget with a 2% reduction and will hold to it. Asset forfeiture monies are restricted and can only be used for certain equipment purchases and some training. Their budget meeting with the County Council is scheduled for April 17 at 1:30 p.m. Chief encouraged the commissioners to