Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-16 Police Commission Regular MinutesHAWAII POLICE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2020 AUPUNI CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM 101 PAUAHI ST., HILO, HAWAII CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Bertsch called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. Present: John Bertsch, Chair Thomas Brown, Commissioner Rod Quartararo, Commissioner Donna Springer, Commissioner Anthony Sur, Commissioner (arrived at 9:08 a.m.) Absent: Guy Schutte, Vice Chair Marcella St. Ambrogio, Commissioner Denby Toci, Commissioner A quorum was present. Also present: Paul Ferreira, Police Chief Kenneth Bugado, Deputy Chief James O'Connor, Assistant Chief Chad Basque, Major Samuel Jelsma, Major Burt Shimabukuro, Captain Craig Masuda, Deputy Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS (None.) POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT ON DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES Items from the written reports were highlighted: Crime Report: AC O'Connor reported having 1,492 serious crimes up through September 30. The Criminal Investigation units investigated 165 of these cases. For the month of September, they received 8,224 calls for service. The high number of auto thefts is attributed to crimes of opportunity and wanting parts. • Traffic Report: Major Basque reported that fiscal year-to-date, they had 275 DUI arrests. For the month of September, 5,386 citations were issued for: moving/regulatory 3,879, seat belt 3411, child restraint 24, and 1,172 speeding. Anything over $3,000 or injury is considered a major crash. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 16, 2020 Page 2 In response to questions, AC O'Connor stated that with all the shutdowns, they have not seen an increase in use of drugs and alcohol. Vehicle safety checks ensures that the vehicle is working safely. Personnel Report: Major Jelsma reported having 73 sworn vacancies, but with those in recruit class, there are 38 vacancies. They ran a police officer recruitment in July: 456 applied, 275 took the written test, 159 passed, 94 passed the agility test, 92 are now in the recruitment pool. There are 10 radio dispatcher vacancies. In response to questions, Major Jelsma stated that police officers coming from the mainland have to start as a new recruit. Officers from another island could be put on an accelerated program. Chief Ferreira stated that they will put them through the beginning in order to validate their qualifications. Finance Report: Major Jelsma reported that for FYTD 9/30/20, their targeted expenditure was 29.17% with actual of 98.93%. Their fiscal year budget of $72,091,319 includes a 10% overall reduction. Chair Bertsch pointed out that they took a 10% budget reduction, and now they are being asked for an additional 5% reduction. Major Jelsma further reported that as long as they have vacancies, they will have overtime. The 911 fire & police dispatch center is moving along. The solicitation for bids began on Oct. 6, and they are meeting with interested parties. Commendations of Sworn and Civilian Employees: Deputy Chief Bugado reported receiving 22 commendations since the last police commission meeting. Officer Cory Gray was selected as the officer of the quarter by the Hawaii Island Security and Safety Professionals for his work in impaired driver enforcement. Officer Ryan Pagan was selected by the Aloha Exchange as officer of the month for September for his lifesaving efforts for a stabbing victim. Other Department Activities: Sergeant Travis Ing gave a video presentation of their bodyworn camera program. He stated that each camera cost about $500. The cost of storage is high, like a cell phone plan. Chief Ferreira stated that as technology improves, bells and whistles are being added. They have a 5 -year purchase contract and are responsible for all repairs. The money is in the service that will be provided to them. A sergeant and two IT personnel are working on the project. • Commissioner Springer expressed concern about traffic on Highway 130 and coming out of Shower Drive. Chief Ferreira stated that they will bring it up with the highways division. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 16, 2020 Page 3 Commissioner Sur expressed concerned about oversized trucks with oversized tires. Chief Ferreira stated that the State removed the reconstruction laws. Now, it's left to the officer on what is deemed unsafe. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Moved in agenda due to late arrival of Commissioner Sur.) August 14, 2020, regular and executive session minutes: Commissioner Quartararo motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Sur seconded, and it carried unanimously. CHAIR'S REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION (None.) EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed session.) Commissioner Quartararo motioned to meet in executive session to consider charges against officers or employees of the police department where matters affecting privacy will be involved, to work on the evaluation of the Police Chief, to consider sensitive matters relating to public safety, 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 Springer seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:33 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 12:21 p.m. (Open to the public.) ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS Investigation of Complaints • HPC 20-06: Complainant alleged that officers put her in harm's way and advised her against getting a TRO. Commissioner Brown motioned that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complainant's allegations of misconduct. Commissioner Sur seconded, and it carried unanimously. • HPC 20-27: Complainant alleged that when an officer responded to his home for a domestic incident, he was not wearing a mask, and the officer made him fearful for his safety. Commissioner Quartararo motioned to refer the complaint to the Chief for customer service concerns. Commissioner Brown seconded, and it carried unanimously. HPC 20-28: Complainant was involved in a traffic stop and alleged that this was harassment. Commissioner Springer motioned that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complainant's allegations of misconduct. Commissioner Brown seconded, and it carried unanimously. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 16, 2020 Page 4 • HPC 20-29: Complainant alleged that when officers responded to his home for a domestic incident, officers mistreated him and used a Taser on him. Commissioner Springer motioned to refer the complaint to the Police Chief for further investigation. Commissioner Sur seconded, and it carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Bertsch announced that the next meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2020, 9:00 a.m., in the West Hawaii Civic Conference Room, Building G Conference Room, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: JOHN BERTSCH, CHAIR