• The role of a police chief The role of a police chief By Darryl D. Perry Just prior to retiring in December 2002, as a police major with the Honolulu Police Department, my salary was significantly higher than that
• The role of a police chief
The role of a police chief
By Darryl D. Perry
Just prior to retiring in December 2002, as a police major with the Honolulu Police Department, my salary was significantly higher than that of Kaua‘i’s Chief of Police. Higher even with the new raise. Therefore, using Mr. Rapozo’s logic of more equals better, and if the County Council is really serious about hiring the very best, then the salary should reflect a significant increase of about $90,000 at minimum. That way, there would be no question about getting “the most qualified applicants for this very important position.” These are the approximate salaries of the islands chief of police:
But before heading down that road, let’s consider what motivates an individual to apply for the position of Chief of Police. And I’ll tell you straight, it not about the money! My past conversations with Retired Chief of Police Michael Nakamura, and current Chief of Police Lee Donohue of the Honolulu Police Department revealed that money was a very low consideration. The most important reason they applied was the overriding need to serve, and make positive differences in the lives of the citizens by enhancing their quality of life. This too is my position and I’m sure the position of the other applicants: money should never, ever, be the motivating factor in seeking this “very important position.”
Lets look at it from another point of view. The Police Chief is charged with the safety and welfare of the residents and visitors alike, has to oversee the operations of the department, attend numerous meetings and public functions, and be on call 24-hours a day 365 days a year. Using simple math you will quickly realize with the new wage increase that the Chief will earn about $8.56 per hour, about $2.26 above minimum wage. Does that look very appealing if the applicant’s motivation is money?
Therefore, it truly is not about the money, it’s about the love for the job, of wanting to make a difference in people’s lives. The money should never be part of the equation. Compensation should be fair and in keeping with what the community can afford, no more no less.
However, if there is still a question about qualifications, here is a very small sample of my experience: 3rd generation Kauai native, graduate Kauai HS 1968, graduate KCC, Bachelors Degree Justice Administration Hawaii Pacific University, Masters of Arts Degree in Organizational Management University of Phoenix, 30+ years of law enforcement experience: Acting Assistant Chief Investigative Bureau, Commander Criminal Investigation Division, Commander Narcotics/Vice Division, Commander Juvenile Services Division, Executive Officer Pearl City District Patrol Division, Executive Officer Wahiawa District Patrol Division, Captain Human Resources Division, and Captain Informational Resources Section. Moreover, I had the pleasure of being a member of the Kauai Police Department as a patrol officer from 1976 to 1980.
I am certain the other candidates too are experienced and competent to meet the challenges of this position.
To interfere with the process at this point would undermine the Kauai Police Commission’s authority and diminish their accomplishments Is reposting the chief’s position the most “prudent” thing to do as suggested by Councilmember Rapozo? I don’t know the answer to that question. But I do know that the most qualified individuals have been selected. And sometimes as we all know, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Meaning, the people who are the most deserving and most capable may be staring you right in the eye.
I was fortunate and humbled to be selected as one of the top three candidates. For that I am extremely grateful. However, if I am not selected, I will still give my full support to the new Chief of Police because whoever is selected will take on this responsibility out of love and compassion for the people of Kauai and certainly not because of the increase in salary.
Darryl D. Perry is a retired Honolulu Police Department Major
