I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for and to implement the Volunteer Disabled Parking Enforcement Program.

II. APPOINTMENT

A. The Police Chief shall appoint volunteer disabled parking enforcement officers (VDPEO) who will serve without pay, and who meet the minimum qualifications

III. QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for an appointment as a VDPEO, an applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

A. Be at least 21 years of age.

B. Shall be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the State of Hawaii for more than one year.

C. Possess a high school diploma or an equivalent general education degree (GED).

D. Be of sound character; have not had a felony conviction or a conviction for a crime of violence or the possession or sale of any illegal drug.

IV. COMMISSION AND OATH OF OFFICE

Each person appointed as a volunteer disabled parking enforcement officer shall receive a commission of appointment signed by the Police Chief and shall take the oath of office before assuming their duties. The VDPEO shall also be issued an identification card.

V. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

A. Each volunteer disabled parking enforcement officer shall be commissioned for a one-year term, from the date of appointment, and whose commission may be renewed each subsequent year.

VI. REMOVAL OF VOLUNTEER DISABLED PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

A. Any commissioned volunteer disabled parking enforcement officer convicted of a felony, crime of violence, or the possession or sale of any illegal drug shall have their commission forfeited. The VDPEO's commission shall be forfeited upon such conviction.

B. The appointment of any commissioned volunteer disabled parking enforcement officer may be terminated for cause at the discretion of the Police Chief.

VII. TRAINING

A. Persons appointed as volunteer disabled parking enforcement officers shall attend training classes and other courses of instruction deemed appropriate by the Police Department.

B. The failure to attend a required training course may result in the denial of a person's application.

C. Classes shall include, but not be limited to, instruction on the limitations of the authority granted to commissioned volunteer disabled parking enforcement officer.

D. Upon completion of the classes, applicants must successfully pass a written examination administered by the department.

VIII. POWERS OF VOLUNTEER DISABLED PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

A. Volunteer disabled parking enforcement officers shall perform the duties of the office only at their assigned district or sector and at the times authorized by the Police Chief or his designee.

B. Volunteer disabled parking enforcement officers shall have the authority to issue citations for the following violations only:

1. Section 291-51 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Parking for Disabled Persons-Definitions;

2. Section 291-57 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Disabled parking; penalties; and

3. Section 24-245.1 of the Hawaii County Code, Parking Permits for Disabled Persons, Penalties for violations.

4. And other sections of law, when specifically authorized by the Police Chief.

IX. COURT APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Volunteer disabled parking enforcement officers shall respond to an official summons or notice for court appearance as regulated by General Order 514, Court Appearance Requirements. The VDPEO shall only be compensated by the courts as do other civilian witnesses.

X. RULES GOVERNING VOLUNTEER DISABLED PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

The Police Chief shall establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the proper conduct, performance of duty and actions of volunteer disabled parking enforcement officers.

LAWRENCE K. MAHUNA
POLICE CHIEF

(New: 06-18-03)