Police Officer I (Recruit) - PO-05

Police Officer I (Recruit)

Performs a variety of law enforcement, crime prevention, investigative, or other specialized duties as a trainee police officer; attends police classes and receives intensive training in the principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of police work; and performs other related duties as required. Police Officer I (Recruit) positions may be eligible to receive a $1,000.00 Recruitment Incentive. Conditions apply. Police Officer I (Recruit) applicants may apply only once within six (6) months from initial application and may reapply after six (6) months. Special Working Conditions: Irregular hours, shift and weekend work, and exposure to hazards as required.

Examples of Duties

• Attends classes and receives instruction and training in various phases of police work and in a wide range of subject matter areas.
• Receives on-the-job training by accompanying experienced police officers on foot and motor patrols.
• Performs a variety of law enforcement duties under supervision of a senior officer such as walking a beat, controlling traffic, enforcing traffic laws, assisting in traffic and criminal investigations and similar activities.
• Makes arrests and assists in interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects or other suspicious characters.
• Assists in safeguarding persons and property.
• Renders first aid as required.
• Serves warrants, subpoenas, and penal summonses.
• Assists in transporting prisoners.
• Prepares and assists in preparing reports of activities.
• May testify in court.
• Familiarizes self with general and special orders, administrative notices, police bulletins, and other materials.
• Qualifies with small side arms.
• May act in an undercover capacity.

Cellblock Security:

• Receives handcuffed prisoners, conducts skin searches, inventories property, and maintains physical control of prisoners.
• Completes booking, disposition of arrest, and court action forms; posts and maintains logs and files.
• Fingerprints, photographs, examines, and completes intake forms for prisoners.
• Obtains, serves, and prepares food for in-custody prisoners or detainees.
• Monitors detainees' movements by video surveillance or direct observations including immediate supervision for personality disorders.
• Operates the electronic door accesses; handles walk-in complaints.
• Interrogates and interviews suspects and witnesses involved.
• Counsels juvenile offenders and parents and makes referrals to social agencies as appropriate.
• Testifies in court.
• Familiarizes self with crime conditions and records information for follow-ups and investigations.
• Transports, escorts, and maintains security and control of detainees outside of the detention facilities, e.g., court, medical treatment, airline travel, etc. and other authorized movements.
• Remains in court with detainee until proper disposition is rendered.
• Releases detainees in accordance with authorized instruction; processes return of personal property.
• Handles bail collections, bail returns, and the transporting of documents to court.
• Assists medical staff with rendering temporary treatment prescribed by licensed physicians and maintains medication.
• Receives, briefs, and, if necessary, searches visitors; inspects and searches cellblocks, facilities, visitor room, transport vehicles, etc., for contraband.
• Prohibits unauthorized contacts with detainees while outside the facilities; makes arrest and enforces laws, where applicable, in maintaining the control of detainees and preventing an escape from custody.
• Prepares reports as required.
• Answers inquiries on prisoner custody and bail amounts, relays telephone messages, and makes referrals to proper personnel.
• Responsible for the cleanliness and decontamination of cells, corridors, adjoining rooms, transport vans, belly chains, and other equipment used for detention and transport purposes.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from high school or equivalent (GED or HiSET), and
• 20 years of age at time of filing, (at least 21 years of age by the time of graduation from the Police Academy), and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai`i Driver's License (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license during the Personal History Questionnaire phase with the Hawai'i Police Department), and
• must be qualified to carry and/or possess firearm or ammunition in accordance with state and federal laws, e.g., no misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction.

Examinations: Written examinations (two hour multiple-choice examination) will be administered in Hilo on the Island of Hawai'i only during the week of May 17, 2026. (Test dates/times will be determined based on the number of qualified applicants). Qualifying applicants will be allowed to self-schedule for various sessions scheduled and will be provided an email notification to do later in the process.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application. Note: In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process. Knowledge of: grammar, spelling, and word usage. Ability to: learn and explain laws, ordinances, and regulations; learn police principles, practices, methods, and techniques; follow oral and written instructions; deal courteously but firmly with the general public; learn the geography of the County of Hawai'i and the economic, social, and racial composition of the community; keep records and prepare simple reports; operate various office and other equipment and appliances. Physical and Age Standards: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. All candidates for employment as a Police Officer I shall be at least 20 years of age at the time of filing, and at least 21 years of age by the time of graduation from the Police Academy; have a correct ratio of weight to height; possess good eyesight and good physical condition and agility according to standards set by the County of Hawai'i. Distant Vision - 20/20 binocular vision, with or without correction. Vision correction by soft contact lenses: Soft contact lens wearers must have 20/200 or better binocular vision before correction, corrected to 20/20. If selected, applicants must provide certification to the County Physician from an ophthalmologist/optometrist that he/she has successfully worn soft contact lenses for the past 3 months. Vision correction by other than soft contact lenses (e.g., glasses, hard contact lenses, semi-rigid contact lenses): Wearers must have 20/40 or better binocular vision before correction, corrected to 20/20. Physical Effort Grouping: Special Benefits of County employment: The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public