KAILUA-KONA — The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will be visiting Hawaii Island as part of re-accreditation process for the Hawaii Police Department.
And it wants to hear from the public what it thinks of its law enforcement force.
The team of assessors from the agency, known as CALEA, will arrive on the island on Aug. 4 to examine all aspects of the Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.
The team’s verification that the department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain re-accreditation — a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer phoned comments by calling (808) 961-2270 between 2-4 p.m. Aug. 6. Comments will be accepted by the visiting assessment team.
“I strongly encourage the community to take part in the accreditation process for our department by providing input during the public comment session being held,” Police Chief Paul Ferreira said in an email. “The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; it presents the Police Chief, on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery.”
The Hawaii Police Department was first accredited in 2012 and re-certified in 2015. Re-certification requirements moved from every three years to every four years.
Assessors with the national accreditation organization gave the department a positive report with some suggestions during a mock assessment in April.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the concept that accreditation embodies the principles of community-oriented policing,” Ferreira said. “It creates a forum in which law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.”
In addition to calling in comments, the Police Department is inviting the public to an information session at 5 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Hawaii County Building, Puna Conference Room, Suite 1501, at 25 Aupuni St. in Hilo.
All telephone comments and public information comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards.
Anyone unable to attend the session or provide telephone commentary may also provide written comments by sending comments to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia, 22030-2215 or through the website at www.calea.org.
A copy of the CALEA Standards is available for review through a link at www.hawaiipolice.com or at the Hawaii Police Department. The contact person for additional information is Lieutenant Regino Saludares of the Administrative Section at (808) 961-2260.