Bill Text: HI HB491 | 2011 | Regular Session | Amended

Hawaii House Bill 491 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Department of Public Safety; Sheriff Division; Accreditation

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)

Status: (Passed) 2011-06-16 - (S) Act 111, 6/14/2011 (Gov. Msg. No. 1214). [HB491 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2011-HB491-Amended.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	491
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1
		C.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the sheriff division of the department of public safety shoulders responsibilities that are integral to preserving the public peace and safety. Specifically, the division:

(1) Serves and protects the public, government officials, and state personnel and property under its jurisdiction, including at state facilities, lands, harbors and airports, and within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State of Hawaii, by providing law enforcement services that incorporate patrols, surveillance, and educational activities;

(2) Protects state judges and judicial proceedings, secures judicial facilities, safely handles detained persons, and provides secure transport for persons in custody; and

(3) Executes arrest warrants for the judiciary and the Hawaii paroling authority.

The legislature also finds that pursuant to Act 162, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009 and House Concurrent Resolution No. 92, H.D. 1 (2009), the auditor conducted a management audit of the sheriff division, which found the division to be bereft of the training and equipment necessary to fulfill its mission. The audit recommended that the division seek accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., to help ensure that proper law enforcement standards are met. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., created in 1979, serves as a law enforcement credentialing authority through collaboration with law enforcement executive associations. Both Honolulu and Maui police departments are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., and the auditor used the Commission's Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies, fifth edition, as a benchmark for its audit.

Like the auditor, the legislature recognizes that law enforcement officers, such as those in the sheriff division, have tremendous responsibilities, making the receipt of proper training, equipment, and organizational support imperative.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of public safety to seek and obtain accreditation for the sheriff division from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.

SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§353C‑ Department accreditation required. The department shall pursue and obtain accreditation for the sheriff division from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon approval.

Report Title:

Department of Public Safety; Sheriff Division; Accreditation

Description:

Requires the Department of Public Safety to pursue and obtain accreditation for the sheriff division from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (HB491 CD1)

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