HONOLULU – From January through October 2025, HPD is reporting a 20% increase in assaults on officers compared with the same period in 2024.
“The safety of our officers is a priority for the Honolulu Police Department. The rise in assaults on officers is deeply concerning,” Police Chief Rade Vanic said.
Most of the assaults occur during routine responses such as domestic incidents, intoxication and mental health related calls. Officer assaults are also a reminder of why members of the public may see multiple officers involved in an arrest. It is safer for officers to work together, especially when dealing with combative individuals.
“Assaults on officers are a complex issue driven by multiple factors — including mental health crises, substance abuse and increased confrontational behavior,” Vanic said. “Reducing these incidents requires a whole-of-community effort, not just more officers. It is a felony under state law to intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, and our officers expect that suspects who assault them will be held accountable.”
HPD has already taken steps to address officer safety, including:
- Expanding training and protective protocols for high-risk calls
- Increasing coordination with mental health and substance abuse response partners
- Reviewing deployment strategies to ensure the best use of available resources
- Continuing to invest in officer wellness and resilience
“The department remains committed to transparency and accountability and to keeping the public informed with accurate and balanced information,” Vanic said. “I also commend the men and women of HPD who put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe.”