The Kaua’i Police Commission unanimously agreed to grant chief George Freitas’ request for a formal hearing regarding two reprimands placed in his personnel file in January. At an executive session of the police commission held Friday, the chief sat out
The Kaua’i Police Commission unanimously agreed to grant chief George Freitas’ request for a formal hearing regarding two reprimands placed in his personnel file in January.
At an executive session of the police commission held Friday, the chief sat out in the hall for an hour, while commission members and County Attorney Hartwell Blake discussed what to do with Freitas’ request.
Freitas and his attorney, Margery Bronster, have requested a formal hearing because, for one, Freitas said he doesn’t want his county-mandated performance review to hinge on the reprimands.
Bronster said she wants to ensure that the commission adheres to due process requirements.
The commission acted inappropriately, did not follow proper procedures and did not give the chief enough time to respond to the reprimands, Bronster said.
“The reprimands are actions taken against the chief without giving an opportunity to know what the charges are,” Bronster said.
An earlier report stated that Freitas was reprimanded for allegedly driving his girlfriend in an official police vehicle, and allegedly raising his voice and being rude to two high-ranking officers.
Bronster said that any official who participates in the hearing cannot have consulted with anyone with respect to underlying facts from the investigator or anyone who has information. If the chief was not given advance notice, the commissioner(s) would not be able to participate in the hearing.
If any commissioners were privy to information, replacement commissioners must be found for the hearing, Bronster said.
The next police commmission meeting will be held Friday, July 19; the commission is still to decide on a date for the hearing.
Staff Writer Kendyce Manguchei can be reached at kmanguchei@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 252).
