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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0066.000 1998-2000 RECEIVED '.,..1 ryme_I_~pM BY _ .2'f Or_ G_98 December 22, 1998 County Council Cvuncihnan James Y. Arakaki District 3, Waiakea-Uka 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Councilman Arakaki, Being on the outside looking in and still ]raving a perspective of what is currently needed in regards to police personnel, the recent West Hawaii Today articles by the District Captains and the series of articles on the drug problem prompted me to write you a short letter. Knowing how important the tourist industry is to our ewnomy, we do have to maintain that we are a safe place [o come to. Our residence of this growing population certainly deserve the best that we can give them iu the way of police protection. Here is my take on what is Herded. As the articles in the newspaper indicate, and as our unique island situation dictate, most of the narcotics brought [o our island is by airplane. Thus the airport is the funnel point of the transportation. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that a fill time narcotics detail is needed at the Kcahole Kona Airport. I would suggest a Sergeant, two motor patminran, two foot paVolmen and two dog handlers. That should give good coverage most of the time. Hilo Airport should also have a Airport deCril. I worr't suggest the an~ount of men needed there, as 1 am not that familiar with their operations. I am sure that would be able to advise you. To keep the streets safe in the tourist areas and the places bard hit with crime, I would suggest drat a Crinre Reduction Unit be established. (Officers in plain clothes assigned to the patrol Division) They would take care of the °strect problems", such as: In the towns lookout areas/parkslareas near hotels/parking lots, and areas known for high volume criminal activity These men would supplement the patrol officers in their marked cars who usually respond to crimitul acts after Urey occur. Tire CRU detail well be pro active rather than reactive and stop & prevent crimes in Ureir unique and versatile operations. Both West Hawaii and East Hawaii need this law enforcement tool and I believe that it should consist of One Sergeant lluee motor patrol officers and Uuee foot patrol officers for each area. To enlrmrce the [own areas police presence and conununity policing, the officers using the cuslunans ui both areas ,Hilo and Kona should be increased so that they are present from 10:00AM to 2:OOAM. ,for quick response to our business owners and their customers. Versatility also allows them to [mrke use of [he bicycles when needed. A workload study as compared to former and present manpower should be undertaken in the Vice section. I would have no problem with an increase of two men in each area command, (Wcst/East) as a start. 1 am a proponent of proactive policing. With a little innovation, some added manpower, and energetic supervisors, much can be accomplished in our goal to minimize criminal activity. Wlra[ I have suggested should aid [o that goal, a safer community that we and otu guest like to work and live. corms. lva. 6--- ~ ills xo. P o L F c ~.r. na,~ o_z s t - Page 2 of a 2 page letter Should yon have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. {POB 372 Kailua-Kona 96745, Ph. 324-1583. Wislting you the best of Holidays, God's blessings, and a wonderful new year. =tipe~.~ Henry (Hank) J. Silva Major Ret. HPD PS. 'I1uu~k you for }'our dedicated service to our community.