Hawaiʻi Police Department
Office of the Chief
Chief Benjamin T. Moszkowicz
Phone: (808) 961-2244
Media Release
The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s 97th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo. This was an invite-only ceremony limited to police personnel, guest speakers, and family members of the recruits.
The 97th Police Recruit Class began their training on January 17, 2023. They started off as strangers who had come together from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. In the end, after six months of intensive training, they graduated with a class of seven police recruits.
Class Officers include Officer Jesse Robert, Class President and Officer Marvin Jay Miguel, Vice President.
Other members of the class are Tinery Acdal, Ashton Gomes, Kilika Respicio, Dayne Shibuya Jr., and Elika Smith.
Special recognition was given to those recruit officers who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training. The Academic Award was awarded to Officer Jesse Robert who attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. Officer Dayne Shibuya Jr. was presented with the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department’s training room.
Officer Elika Smith was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning. Officer Tinery Acdal was recognized with the Most Outstanding Recruit Award.
Our newly graduated officers will now undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.
Hawai‘i Police Department 97th Recruit Class Picture:
Left to Right: Dayne Shibuya Jr., Elika Smith, Jesse Robert, Tinery Acdal, Marvin Jay Miguel, Kilika Respicio, and Ashton Gomes.
