A news report I'd like to read.Police Commissioners add Three New RequirementsHawaii County's Police Commissioners announce three new requirements for applicants for the position of Chief of Police of Hawaii County.
1) Applicants must present written support from his/her present Chief of Police.
2) Applicants must present the results of a survey of all members of their present police department that reveals the majority support the applicant in being the Chief of Police of another department.
3) The names of all applicants are to be published in local newspapers.
First requirement: The present policy supports deceit. Most applicants sneak behind the back of their present Police Chief to submit their application. That is to say, they hide from their Chief/Supervisor, for various reasons, the fact that they are applying for the position. It reveals a fundamental flaw in the applicant's character, “Everyone does it." etc. It further suggests that they intuit they would not have the support of their present Chief.
In other words, without the above conditions Commissioners would be hiring someone who does not support open and honest communication, one who in fact advocates dishonesty, behind the back deceptions. Without their Chief's support it could mean that the applicant has not trained someone to replace him/herself in which case leaving would create a temporary hardship for the department.
Second requirement: This assures Commissioners that an applicant has the support of his/her fellow officers, those who know him/her best. Without such support it could mean that the majority of fellow officers might think that he/she is not ready or doesn't deserve such a promotion. If for example, the applicant has been causing admin personnel extra work because they don't turn in reports neatly, accurately, and on time, then of course they won't get the support of one or more admin staff. Another example could be that his/her peers know that the applicant's performance and reputation is not what it appears to be, that it's questionable, even that there are marital/fidelity problems. Negative peer support could offset a Police Chief's favorable vote who might actually want to “get rid” of an applicant.
Future possible applicants will come to know that to advance they must demonstrate that they are a well-respected team player as evidenced through a survey to be conducted by their present Chief of Police—this survey will serve as an amendment to their annual performance report. A favorable survey will reveal that most everyone, especially their Chief, agrees that he/she is ready to be a Chief of Police.
Third requirement: The primary benefit of names being published in the media is that it allows community members to voice considerations about a police chief applicant about to be hired.
Some examples: If many citizens have been mistreated by the applicant, or if someone knows that the applicant has unacknowledged perpetrations, then upon reading in the newspapers a list of applicants for Police Chief, a citizen could contact the Commissioners.
One Big Isle police officer, presently serving, did not acknowledge on his Application Form (he deceived the interviewer) that he grew pot before applying to become an officer—many in the community know this officer—it has created disrespect of the police. In this case, the officer's name wasn't published in a local newspaper prior to being hired.
One or more people might know that an officer is cheating on his spouse—most all officers know of one or more fellow officers with fidelity/integrity issues.
Communications by community members will be taken into consideration. A few complaints and grudge-holders are to be expected but if there are several similar reports about one officer it may be a red flag about the level of integrity one can expect from his/her leadership. A secondary benefit of applicant names being published is that it gives community members an experience of having a vote, of being part of the selection process, of being respected.
To mainlanders reading this: Most malahinis (newcomers relocated from the mainland) will attest that our police officers are noticeably more friendly and helpful. However, most locals also agree that the perception exists that each island's police department still have several "corrupt" officers. We are of course striving to have the reputation of knowing, with certainty, that each of our officers operates from impeccable integrity; such a result begins with the Police Commissioners who select the Police Chiefs (commissioners are mostly selected from our business community).
I recommend that all Police Commissioners and law enforcement applicants complete
The [free] Clearing Process for Professionals. The process restores and helps maintain ones integrity.
Note: All posts on the Clearing Process Message Board are immediately deleted so that there is no record of what has been posted.
Lest edited 6/7/22
