Pushing For More Police Oversight
Two police reform measures that aim to improve oversight and accountability received key approval Tuesday from the House Finance Committee.
Police shootings and in-custody deaths could receive more scrutiny in Hawaii if a measure passed Tuesday by the House Finance Committee keeps its momentum.
passed unanimously and without much discussion. The bill sets the stage for the state to create an independent review board to oversee the criminal investigations into officer-caused deaths and injuries.
The board — which would be part of the — would be able to review cases and make recommendations to county prosecutors. Those prosecutors, however, would not have to follow the board’s recommendation, according to the current proposal.
Officials with good government groups, including and the Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest, have about SB 2196, particularly as it relates to public records access.
They worried that the confidentiality clauses in the bill would bar the public from seeing the board’s recommendations and reports for years.
Another measure passed unanimously by the Finance Committee Tuesday — — would create a statewide standards and training board for police officers.
Hawaii is the only state without such as board that sets the minimum training requirements for law enforcement officers.
Both bills now must head to House floor for a vote.
