Civil Beat Categories

Police Accountability

Lawsuit Filed Over HPD Beating Caught on Video Screen shot

Lawsuit Filed Over HPD Beating Caught on Video

Jamie Kalani Rice was pepper-sprayed and struck several times with a baton by Officer Ming Wang. Rice’s attorney says Rice was non-combative and that Wang’s use of force was unjustified.

Espero: Still Pushing For More Citizen Oversight Of The Police PF Bentley/Civil Beat

Espero: Still Pushing For More Citizen Oversight Of The Police

“Nobody’s talking about reform or changes,” says the state senator, who has long pushed for police transparency measures with little success.

Caldwell (Finally) Speaks Out About Kealoha Screen shot

Caldwell (Finally) Speaks Out About Kealoha

Until now, the Honolulu mayor has avoided public discussion of the FBI’s criminal probe into Police Chief Louis Kealoha.

Police Union Renews Body Cam Threat Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2013

Police Union Renews Body Cam Threat

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers wants to sign off on the Kauai Police Department’s body camera policy before the technology is deployed.

Pod Squad: Kauai Police Chief — Body Cam Effort Has Been ‘Difficult’ Anthony Quintano/Civil Beat

Pod Squad: Kauai Police Chief — Body Cam Effort Has Been ‘Difficult’

Chief Darryl Perry is moving ahead with the camera program despite concerns of the police union and intends to start using the cameras very soon.

HPD Beating Caught On Tape Screen shot

HPD Beating Caught On Tape

Honolulu prosecutors are reviewing a case in which Officer Ming Wang can be seen repeatedly striking a man with his baton during an arrest. The man was harassing an endangered monk seal.

Kauai Police Chief Vows To Implement Body Cams Despite Union Concerns Flickr: West Midlands Police

Kauai Police Chief Vows To Implement Body Cams Despite Union Concerns

Kauai is poised to become the first Hawaii police department to implement a body camera program. But its negotiations with the police union could affect how other agencies move forward.

State Senator Vows To Reform Hawaii Asset Forfeiture Laws Cory Lum/Civil Beat

State Senator Vows To Reform Hawaii Asset Forfeiture Laws

State Sen. Will Espero says the current system is unfair because it opens citizens up to having their property taken even if they aren’t convicted of a crime.

Report: Hawaii’s Police Property Seizures Ripe For Abuse Fotolia: Mario Beauregard

Report: Hawaii’s Police Property Seizures Ripe For Abuse

Asset forfeiture is a controversial practice that has many across the U.S. calling for reform. A new report says Hawaii has some of the worst laws when it comes to protecting citizens.

VIDEO: Are These Honolulu Cops Acting Appropriately?

VIDEO: Are These Honolulu Cops Acting Appropriately?

Jon Windham was arrested for assault and resisting arrest. His attorney says it was the police who acted badly. You be the judge.