HONOLULU (AP) — A new report from the Honolulu Police Department shows that the number of officers fired in 2015 has more than doubled from the previous year.
HONOLULU (AP) — A new report from the Honolulu Police Department shows that the number of officers fired in 2015 has more than doubled from the previous year.
The department’s annual disciplinary report says 17 officers were fired last year, up from eight officers in 2014 and only one in 2013. The figures were presented to the state Legislature Friday, Hawaii News Now reported (https://bit.ly/204Wcd4).
“The increase that we’re seeing is a little alarming,” said State Sen. Will Espero, who is on the Senate Public Safety Committee.
The officers fired in 2015 were accused of various violations ranging from absence without leave to domestic violence to viewing porn on a computer.
Among those fired, includes Sgt. Darren Cachola. He was caught on surveillance video fighting with his girlfriend in a Waipahu restaurant. Officer Vince Morre, who is serving time in prison for a game room attack, was also fired last year.
In all, 58 officers were disciplined in 2015, with most of them suspended for less than one month.
Despite the increase in firings, Espero said the department is doing a better job at handling cases of misconduct.
“Now we do see that cases are being taken seriously and maybe it’s just a matter of leadership and management putting more resources into dealing with these problems,” Espero said.