News

A month after HGEA publicly called on the Honolulu City Council to expand its inquiry into police department vacancies to include civilian dispatchers, council members selected Union Agent John Higgins to sit on its 11-member panel to investigate the problem.

His appointment marks a potential turning point in HPD’s years-long neglect to address recruitment and retainment of police dispatchers amid a growing shortage in their ranks.

“Given HGEA members are on the front lines of public safety within the HPD — and the impact staffing levels have had on employee morale, retention, and service — it is wholly appropriate for their voices to be represented on the task force,” HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira said.

The department faces 188 vacancies in civilian positions, according to reports, two-thirds of which are dispatchers. With some 35% of dispatcher positions vacant, this creates the potential for a public safety hazard, the union contends. Members report experiencing emotional and physical strain: working longer hours, foregoing lunch breaks — even bathroom breaks — and being coerced by managers if they are unable to work overtime.

The task force’s final report to the council is due by Dec. 1, 180 days from the adoption of Councilwoman Andria Tupola’s measure to create the panel. The council would then consider what, if any, recommendations it would implement.