HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Law enforcement leaders are mulling over ways to address the rising number of attacks on Honolulu police officers.
The Honolulu Police Department reported there was a 20 percent increase in assaults on its officers so far this year compared to last year.
Related post: ‘Deeply concerning’: Police chief sounds alarm as assaults on officers rise
During Friday night football at Farrington High School, two officers were attacked mid-game.
The pair was trying to break up a large fight when an 18-year-old woman struck one of them in the face.
A 38-year-old man kicked the other in the groin.
“There should be no tolerance for this type of behavior. I mean, if you’re willing to assault a uniformed police officer, you’re willing to assault anybody,” said retired Honolulu Police Department Deputy Chief John McCarthy.
The officers were treated on scene.
The suspects were a father and daughter who were arrested. The department says charges will be sought with the Prosecutor’s office.
The incident came after another officer was bitten by a 65-year-old man while he was being detained in Waikiki Tuesday morning.
A little more than a week prior, Miles Thomas, 44, also allegedly bit an officer when he resisted arrest.
“It’s extremely concerning to us,” said Nicholas Schlapak of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO), the police union.
Schlapak added nationwide, attacks against officers are statistically reaching a 10-year high.
“These statistics are extremely alarming, however, we at SHOPO feel the time to look at the statistics is over. It’s passed. What we need to do is start focusing on remedies and solutions for this. It’s time for action,” Schlapak said.
HPD said it is trying to improve officer safety by expanding training and protective protocols for high-risk calls, coordinating more with mental health and substance abuse response partners, reviewing deployment strategies, and investing in officer wellness and resilience.
SHOPO is calling for stricter laws.
“It’s time to deter criminals from committing these acts. It’s time for things like enhanced sentencing, a doubling of punishment. Real deterrents to assaults on law enforcement officers,” Schlapak insisted.
The union and the department are planning to meet to discuss how to further protect officers and prevent assaults on them.
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