HPD: Accrediation Team Open to Public Comments

On July 13, the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive on the Big Island to examine the policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services of the Hawai’i Police Department.

According to HPD, the purposed of the visit is to ensure verification of the over 400 national standards established for a law enforcement agency. The standards are required for voluntary accreditation.

A public session will be hosted by the visiting team, in which community input regarding accreditation will be sought. The meeting will be held on July 14 at 5 p.m. inside the Hawai’i County Council chambers, located at 25 Aupuni Street in Hilo.

Those who are unable to attend the July 14 meeting in person are encouraged to phone in their comments between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the same day by calling 961-2270. In addition, written comments can be sent by mailing: CALEA, 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Va., 22030-2215, or through the CALEA website.

Comments should pertain to HPD’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards. The standards in their entirety can be found at the Police Department’s main station at 349 Kapi’olani Street in Hilo. In addition, standards can be reviewed on the “Accreditation” page of the Hawai’i Police Department’s website.

“As I’ve always maintained, this is not my police department, this is your police department,” Chief Kubojiri said in regard to public comments. “The process of being accredited ensures the public that their police department follows and maintains nationally recognized standards established for a law enforcement agency.”

HPD is one of 1,200 law enforcement agencies out of a total of around 23,000 in the country to receive the CALEA accreditation. The agency has maintained its accreditation since it was first awarded on November 17, 2002.

To learn more, call Lieutenant Kenneth Quiocho at 961-2260.