Many readers have commented that the “On The Beat” series has been very informative and presents the police department and its challenges in a different light from what is customarily seen in the news or on shows such as “Cops.”
Many readers have commented that the “On The Beat” series has been very informative and presents the police department and its challenges in a different light from what is customarily seen in the news or on shows such as “Cops.”
Thank you, your comments are greatly appreciated.
This week I would like to answer a few questions that were posed to me during a recent contractors/community meeting.
Q: Do you envision KPD embarking on recruitment missions to the Mainland? Do Mainland cities or municipalities come to Kaua‘i to recruit officers?
A: KPD has been in contact with other police departments throughout the nation and they, too, are experiencing the same issues about dwindling officers through retirement and a smaller and smaller pool of qualified applicants. Strategically, recruiting on the Mainland is a viable option that we are exploring.
Some northwestern police departments are recruiting heavily in Hawai‘i. Whenever they have recruiting efforts, flyers are sent out statewide to police officers. So I would suspect that our officers are also aware of outside recruitment.
When I worked at the Honolulu Police Department I saw at least six officers return to HPD after transferring to another department on the Mainland. I suppose financially it’s a plus if you can tolerate cultural differences, weather changes, and being away from family. I know I couldn’t do it. There’s just no place like Hawai‘i, and no place like Kaua‘i.
By the way, we started our 79th Recruit Class on March 17. There are seven new police recruits and one public safety worker who will be assigned to the cellblock. The recruit class is scheduled for just over five months.
Q: What is your working relationship with the Prosecutor’s Office?
A: Kaua‘i Police Department has a very good working relationship with the prosecutor’s office, although processes and procedures are continually being tweaked so that we can better service the community.
For example, recent discussions have centered on a special screening/intake prosecutor whose sole purpose would be to review major felony and other noteworthy cases. If discrepancies or clarifications are noted, investigators can make immediate follow-ups.
This protocol is in place for most major jurisdictions. However, in smaller jurisdictions such as Kaua‘i this position may be considered a luxury because of limited funding and staffing resources.
Q: What are you doing about speeding vehicles at construction sites and on Rice Street?
A: Uniformed patrol officers and our Traffic Safety Unit have been directed to take enforcement action and cite when violations are observed. The problem is that we often witness violations when an officer is not in the area. If you witness someone who you believe is driving recklessly, do not try to take any action, but instead write down the license number, description of the vehicle, occupant or occupants, direction of flight, date and time of the incident, and report it to the police. And although we may not be able to issue a citation, we can at least speak to the registered owner.
Q: What is your budget like?
A: For 2008-2009, our budget will be about $20 million, an increase of about $2 million. The vast majority of the increases are fixed costs such as collective bargaining pay increases. Salaries and fringe benefits will account for approximately 86 percent of our total budget. In working with the Mayor’s Office, County Council and Police Commission, we have kept it as lean and as frugal as possible without compromising community and officer safety.
In our next “On The Beat” segment, I hope to touch upon questions about TASERs. I’ve been hearing misconceptions that police will be zapping chickens and everybody in sight if they get out of hand. I can assure you that will not be the case, so stay tuned. Mahalo.
• Darryl Perry is the chief of police at the Kauai Police Department. Send your comments or questions to dperry@kauai.gov
