A Joint Legislative Committee on Public Safety convened an informational briefing today on the Honolulu Police Department’s response to domestic violence cases. Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women executive director, Cathy Betts, receives calls daily from domestic violence victims complaining about how police officers handle their cases.
A number of testifiers recommended police officers be provided more domestic violence training in addition to the three hours provided during recruit training. HPD Chief of Police, Louis Kealoha says he intends to take the public input and strengthen departmental policies and procedures.
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Lawmakers say they expect to draft legislation next session to improve police accountability and transparency.
