Darryl Perry brought the beginnings of an overdue transformation in the operations of the Kaua‘i Police Department when he returned to the Garden Isle less than two years ago to serve as its police chief. We were disheartened when we
Darryl Perry brought the beginnings of an overdue transformation in the operations of the Kaua‘i Police Department when he returned to the Garden Isle less than two years ago to serve as its police chief.
We were disheartened when we learned last week that he has applied to be the top cop on O‘ahu, but we understand the likely rationale behind his decision.
As a man who has served on the force most of his adult life, including almost three decades with the Honolulu Police Department where he retired as a major, it makes sense to at least throw your name in the hat of applicants for chief there. It’s the highest police position he could achieve in Hawai‘i. Why not go for it?
Aside from the career standpoint, it is also logical for family reasons, given that he has a daughter who lives on O’ahu. (The chief, for the record, maintains that there is no personal ulterior motive.)
If Perry is picked for the job, we will be among the first to call him and wish him well. But not without feeling pangs of sadness and unease over the void his departure would create. He has built a foundation here over the past 22 months, internally and externally, that we fear would crack if he leaves.
The Kaua’i Police Department is working to become an accredited force for the first time in its history. Perry prompted that initiative and is leading the charge in this critical goal that must be fulfilled if our force is to effectively move forward.
We don’t buy Perry’s argument that he can better help KPD achieve this goal by serving as HPD’s chief. Sure, there would likely be some perks for Kaua’i if Perry ends up the top dog in Honolulu, but we would get the most out of him if he stayed here and exercised what connections he may already have there.
If he leaves for HPD, we would expect a man of his caliber to fully focus on the task at hand and turn his attention to improving life for the people of the City and County of Honolulu. The best way for Perry to help Kauaians is to remain the island’s chief.
His record thus far has been solid. We are particularly impressed with his community outreach efforts and ability to connect with the people here. From writing a column for us answering your questions to reading at local elementary schools and generally making himself available at any time, Perry has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
We continually hear from officers and people on the street how much better the department, historically known for its unstable footing, has been running since his arrival.
We would hate to see this come to an end.
And it likely would cease if he were to leave for HPD’s top post. The tumultuous process of selecting a new chief is something we’d be OK not having to endure again for another couple decades if possible.
Remember how messy things got last time around? Our county is still fighting the Office of Information Practices in the Hawai’i Supreme Court on a matter relating to the dismissal of former Police Chief K.C. Lum.
On top of that, let us not forget the value of stability. In any company in any industry, there is an opportunity cost that accompanies turnover. Ask any small business owner and they’ll tell you about the increased expense and decreased revenue associated with trading in an experienced, trained, competent employee for a neophyte. Changing staff is always the last resort.
The short-term friction cost only multiplies and grows longer as you move up the chain in an organization, and Perry’s name currently sits atop a chart with those of more than 100 sworn officers beneath it. Even if Kaua’i were to find a chief as qualified as Perry for his post, getting that person up to speed and getting all of KPD’s veterans on board with their new boss would take time and effort, and would hurt our community.
Call us selfish, but we want Perry to stay here and see through what he has started. From what we are told, KPD has much growing to do still and we believe the chief is the right man to nurture the current crop to full bloom.
Should he not be picked to lead HPD, we hope the officers and public here will not blame him for trying. If we were in his shoes, we certainly would have applied too.
It’s not about breaking commitments to serve Kaua’i. How could he have foreseen that this opportunity would open up? And why should he be asked to turn a blind eye?
Let’s support our chief as he deserves to be. We may be hard on him sometimes in our effort to hold KPD accountable for its actions, and will continue to keep the pressure on, but by and large Perry has proven himself to be an honorable man fit to lead a fine roster of men and women in blue.
Kaua’i will miss Chief Perry if he gets the job.
