“You won’t see them but they’re always there and they’re always prepared for any kind of event that happens,” said Robert Green, the police major in charge of the unit.
While the press event featured two officers in full riot gear, such a demonstration of force would only occur if protests go awry. Police Chief Louis Kealoha urged protestors to respect property rights and to behave in a civil manner.
“The Honolulu Police Department expects demonstrations to be lawful and non-violent during the week of APEC,” he said. “We make no distinction as to the purpose, message or intent of any group exercising this right.”
For nearly two years officers have been training for the summit, which takes place November 7 — 13. President Barack Obama will host leaders from twenty Pacific Rim nations, as they discuss possible free trade agreements and issues of national security.
The Honolulu City Council set aside $44 million the past two fiscal years in order to gear up for the summit. HPD received $18 million of the city’s APEC budget, with much of that going toward officers’ salaries.
MIXING WITH PROTESTORS
While Kealoha hopes HPD’s Crowd Management Unit won’t be needed, a few dozen Civil Affairs officers will mingle freely with protestors. The officers will be dressed in aloha shirts with bright orange HPD logos on their left sleeve. The unusual uniform also features wide brimmed hats.
“We’re the liaison between them and the police,” said Capt. Keith Lima, who heads the unit. “Our mission is to protect and preserve the rights of individuals protesting at these events.”
However protestors who break the law can expect to be arrested. All of the Civil Affairs officers will carry guns and handcuffs under their more welcoming uniforms.
"We’re not going to idly to stand by and watch crime take place in front of our eyes,” said Lima.
HPD ON THE MOVE
With many road closures and restricted areas during the summit, the movement of HPD officers from place to place will be critical to operations.
To help facilitate such moves, Oahu Transit Services donated thirty former Handi-Vans and ten city buses to HPD. The vans will be used as police shuttles, fully equipped with sirens and flashing lights.
However at least four of the former city buses can be used as paddy wagons, as Khon2 first reported last month.
“We’ve put additional wire mesh inside the bus and there’s a separation between the driver and the arrestees inside the bus,” said HPD spokesman, Maj. Clayton Kau.
If officers do get caught in traffic gridlock, the police department can always rely on its bike detail. During APEC officers mounted on bicycles will where bright yellow shirts, instead of the more traditional blues.
“A lot more visible (and) a lot more approachable for the people that are visiting,” said Maj. Kurt Kendro, who heads the detail.
“The bikes can ride on sidewalks, between lanes of traffic, along the curb lanes and get through at a high speed.”
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See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
