Editorial: Search for new Honolulu Police Chief

It’s been almost nine months, and it could well be another nine months, before Honolulu gets its new police chief — a worrying omission now underscored by the police’s own base.

On Thursday, the police union sounded “the alarm” about “dangerous understaffing” in Oahu‘s eight patrol districts. Lt. Robert Cavaco, the new chief of the Hawaii State Police Officers’ Organization (SHOPO), has been vocal about the risk to public safety of unmanned patrol officer shifts.

Oahu residents and businesses “are being fooled by the leadership of the Honolulu Police Department into believing they will receive police protection,” Cavaco said, attributing the rising crime rate to the shortage.

HPD acting chief Rade Vanic quickly pushed back, saying officers routinely worked together to meet patrol needs to keep the public safe, calling SHOPO’s stance “fear tactics.”

Still, SHOPO’s public voicing of grievances must certainly remain on the “to-do” list for the next HPD boss. Likewise, attention should be paid to a litany of recent controversies, including:

>> Concerns about excessive use of force, which flared up last April with two high-profile fatal shootings: at Iremamber Sykap, 16, near Waikiki, and at Lindani Myeni, 29, in Nuuanu.

>> Compliance with HPD guidelines by officers and improved training on police best practices, e.g. B. for de-escalation.

>> Restoring public confidence after public corruption scandals involving ex-Chief Louis Kealoha and senior officials, as well as a new federal case involving former Police Commission chairman.

>> Recruitment and retention issues that go to the heart of the staff shortages addressed by SHOPO.

Since Chief Susan Ballard’s sudden retirement on June 1, HPD has worked under interim Chief Vanic — reportedly one of 19 applicants for the permanent position. Of the 12 Hawaiian nominees, six are current HPD officers, five are retired HPD officers and one works in Hawaii’s law enforcement agency, according to the report by Star Advertiser’s Peter Boylan.

The Honolulu Police Commission is asking citizens for opinions on the traits they want in the next boss — via an online poll open through Sunday; seehonolulu.gov/hpc or hpdnextchiefsurvey2022.com. The public should take this opportunity to have a say in this important process. A consultant appointed by the Commission will then forward a shortlist of finalists to move forward with the selection process, with the new leader to be named before the end of the year. That can’t come soon enough.