Hawaii has one of the highest rates of fired officers getting their jobs back through arbitration but other communities are facing the same issue.
The Police Files
We’re examining myriad aspects of police practices and policies throughout Hawaii, including officer-involved shootings, police misconduct, union influence and police reform efforts.
Posted inThe Police Files
This Deputy Sheriff Was Twice Accused Of Sex Assault And Fired. Then He Got His Job Back
The deputy has already put the state on the hook for more than $7 million in damages, a case that revealed shortcomings in the jail’s practices for handling women prisoners.
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In Hawaii, Punishment For Bad Cops Often Doesn’t Stick. Here’s Why
A Civil Beat investigation found that arbitrators in Hawaii overturn a police chief’s decision to suspend or fire an officer nearly 65% of the time.
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HPD’s Loose Pursuit Policy Leads To Crashes In A Third Of Chases
Honolulu leaves it up to officers when to start a chase. That’s unusual, a Civil Beat review shows, and many HPD pursuits would not be allowed in other jurisdictions.
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Hawaii May Not Set Minimum Qualifications For Police Until 2024
The board is asking state lawmakers for more resources while researching standards already in place in other states.
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New Video Allegedly Shows Honolulu Police Leaving Scene Of Makaha Crash
The attorney who provided the video says it shows three police vehicles pursuing a Honda at a high rate of speed on Farrington Highway.
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HPD Reviewing New Bodycam Policy After Judge’s Ruling
A judge recently ordered the release of all body-worn camera footage in the Iremamber Sykap case, saying an open investigation doesn’t justify keeping it from the public.
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Protection For A Price: Waikiki Businesses Pay Extra For Police
The Waikiki business association has paid Honolulu police at least $2 million in the past 15 years for additional services. Critics say that’s not fair to other areas.
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Big Island Police Killings Often Involve Troubled Victims And Guns — And The Number Has Spiked
Compared to Honolulu, people who died in police shootings were often armed with guns themselves. Many also suffered from mental illness and substance abuse.