07-21-2017, 03:56 AM
Oink makes some good points that would work in most places, but maybe not always here:
1. "An appropriate level of manpower is also necessary but the proper allocation of the existing resources is the most important." Several front-line cops I have spoken two describe this as a problem in two ways. First, between county administrative rules and union imposed work rules, personnel are not efficiently used. Cops actually complain about too many officers being sent to do simple jobs, a prime example being auto accidents where they literally get in each others' way. Second, politically and economically advantaged areas get more police resources (Hilo and Kailua-Kona respecively) than less advantaged areas, something that directly leads us to item number two.
2. "If the high crime areas make enough public noise the allocation of resources can be changed." This actually happened (once) about eight years ago when the Puna Neighborhood Watch groups, led by HPP, persistently and publicly badgered the police chief on social media and at public meetings into reassigning an extra detective from Hilo to Puna. Burglaries dropped dramatically as a result.
3. "I know it's tradition to hire a local to be Chief but it would probably be good to have a couple of chiefs from outside the State." Not gonna happen. That would be fundamental threat to the good old boy culture that still rules the Big Island.
1. "An appropriate level of manpower is also necessary but the proper allocation of the existing resources is the most important." Several front-line cops I have spoken two describe this as a problem in two ways. First, between county administrative rules and union imposed work rules, personnel are not efficiently used. Cops actually complain about too many officers being sent to do simple jobs, a prime example being auto accidents where they literally get in each others' way. Second, politically and economically advantaged areas get more police resources (Hilo and Kailua-Kona respecively) than less advantaged areas, something that directly leads us to item number two.
2. "If the high crime areas make enough public noise the allocation of resources can be changed." This actually happened (once) about eight years ago when the Puna Neighborhood Watch groups, led by HPP, persistently and publicly badgered the police chief on social media and at public meetings into reassigning an extra detective from Hilo to Puna. Burglaries dropped dramatically as a result.
3. "I know it's tradition to hire a local to be Chief but it would probably be good to have a couple of chiefs from outside the State." Not gonna happen. That would be fundamental threat to the good old boy culture that still rules the Big Island.