In last week’s article the question was raised about our past chiefs of police. Retired Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Robinson and Bill Dahle wrote with a few corrections: The first police chief here was Edwin K. Crowell (not Edward). Richard
In last week’s article the question was raised about our past chiefs of police. Retired Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Robinson and Bill Dahle wrote with a few corrections: The first police chief here was Edwin K. Crowell (not Edward). Richard “Peachy” Sheldon and Raymond Duvauchelle also held positions of acting police chiefs. Mahalo for setting the record straight.
Q: I work for the Department of Education and I’m concerned about participation by the Kauai Police Department with “Project Graduation.” In the past we have received tremendous support, but because of the economic climate I understand that resources are limited and that KPD may not be able to help. Is that true?
Carol, Waimea
A: KPD understands that we need to keep our youth safe, especially on graduation night when the thrill of finishing high school overrides their keen sense of responsibility. As you know, Project Graduation is a nationally recognized drug and alcohol free all-night event, supervised by adults to prevent teenage deaths caused by drinking and driving.
While some have said that the Department of Education, under the state umbrella should foot the bill, we still believe that this should be everyone’s responsibility. And although KPD is not budgeted for these types of events, we are exploring ways of providing support. For example, in addition to looking for areas to reallocate monies, we are in the process of crafting new policy within Fair Labor and Standards Act guidelines to allow police officers and civilian employees to volunteer their personal time for charitable and other like events.
And just to be clear, this policy does not mean that KPD will be asking our employees to volunteer. To the contrary, the employee will have to make their own decision whether or not to volunteer; otherwise it would appear that the department is using intimidation or influence to force them to do something they didn’t want to do during their off-duty hours.
So, to answer your question, we’re still looking.
Q: What advice would you give parents and graduates on graduation night?
Pat, Lihu‘e
A: I remember my graduation night: it was fun but scary at the same time because now we had to go out into the “real world.” While we didn’t have organized activities, still a group of us gathered at Lydgate Park and just talked story until the wee hours of the morning. Believe or not, there was no alcohol or drugs; just friends drinking soda talking about our future. And we car-pooled because no one owned a car.
Things have sure changed. Today, our children (and they are still children) are exposed to a variety of temptations like drugs and alcohol that can destroy their future in the blink of an eye.
My recommendation is to have your child involved in some type of wholesome activity like Project Graduation. Or you could get create something with their input. But remember to be firm about safety, and that means no alcohol, and no drugs. Also, in this day and age of cell phones, have them check-in after a certain time.
As I mentioned, this is an eventful time in their life and we want it to be a great experience, but we also want to make sure that they don’t kill themselves or someone else by driving recklessly. And for that reason we will be stepping up patrols by having extra police officers to keep our roadways safe, looking for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
It’s a strange thing being a parent. You worry about them when their not home, but get on their case for minor things when they’re in the next room. Just remember this: love your children with all of your heart and soul, and before they leave, say that you love them, because the future is not guaranteed to anyone.
• Darryl Perry is the chief of police at the Kaua‘i Police Department. Send your comments or questions to dperry@kauai.gov
