I. POLICY

As in any other serious or sensitive investigation, it is the policy of the Hawaii County Police Department to conduct a complete, thorough, and factual investigation of critical incidents involving police officers.

II. DEFINITIONS

Critical Incident

A. Any incident that results in the death or serious bodily injury (defined by Section 707-700, H.R.S. as amended) of any:

1. Sworn employee or sworn reserve officer acting under color of authority, except:

a. In the case of an aircraft accident or a suicide or a suicide or

b. A solo vehicular accident in which the officer is the driver and sole occupant of an involved vehicle.

2. Person as a result of an intentional or accidental police shooting, including police tactical incidents involving special response teams.

3. Any person(s) in the process of being arrested or while in custody.

B. Discharge of a firearm towards any person(s) by a sworn employee or sworn reserve officer acting under color of authority, even when death or injury does not occur.

III. INVESTIGATION

A. The Criminal Investigation Section shall conduct the criminal investigation.

B. The Internal Affairs Division shall conduct a Critical Incident Inquiry and/or the administrative investigation.

C. The Traffic Enforcement Unit shall conduct investigations involving vehicular collisions.

IV. DISPOSITION

A. Upon completion of the criminal investigation, the report shall be referred to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for review and further disposition.

B. Upon completion of the Critical Incident Inquiry and/or the administrative investigation, the report shall be submitted to the appropriate department Review Board for review and recommendations forwarded to the Police Chief for final disposition.

LAWRENCE K. MAHUNA
POLICE CHIEF

(Amended: 01-15-03)