HPD clarifies future of JPO, PAL programs after 100 officers shifted to patrol

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After 100 officers were reassigned to patrols, the Honolulu Police Department is trying to clear up confusion over the future of the Junior Police Officer (JPO) and Police Activities League (PAL) programs.

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HPD Police Chief David Lazar announced the changes Thursday during a press conference to combat overtime and boost response.

The chief said HPD had surpassed $6 million of its $6.8 million overtime budget for the first quarter of the fiscal year.

The move drew support from Honolulu City Council Member Andria Tupola and vice president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.

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In a statement Saturday, HPD reassured the public that PAL will not be impacted.

However, the department said the JPO program will be slightly affected, but “the core benefits of the program will remain.”

HPD said positions within the Community Affairs and Traffic Division will be scaled down, along with positions within Criminal Intelligence Unit, Fourth Watch, Chief’s Office, Misdemeanor Follow-up Details, and the Human Resources, Information Technology, Major Events, Records and Identification, and Training Divisions.

The department said the changes will remain in effect until determined otherwise as budget stabilization continues.

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HPD said it is unclear how many school programs will be affected.