Recruitment No.: 2324-333 Open Competitive
Open: Includes all interested individuals including members of the general public.
Salary rate is determined by collective bargaining agreements or Pay Administration Policy as applicable.
Please note that this recruitment will close at 4:30 p.m. HST on November 30, 2024.
PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING APPLICATION
PLEASE PRINT AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
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; independently patrols an assigned beat and performs a variety of law enforcement work as part of the training process; and performs other related duties as required.
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Patrol an assigned area to prevent crime, maintain order and enforce laws and regulations;
- Respond to calls from the general public and crime victims, traffic hazards,violations, misdemeanors and felony incidents;
- Respond to radio, telephone or computer messages or instructions and complete the assignment;
- Investigate and analyze specific crime cases, make arrests, issue citations and give warnings; performs booking procedures and interviews witnesses to gain information;
- Investigate and prepare reports on offenses, arrests, accidents, property damage, and administrative matters using a combination of writing and computer skills;
- Analyze, suggest and implement solutions t police problems in an assigned area;
- Control uncooperative subjects;
- Appear in court on and off duty and give credible testimony;
- Transport prisoners;
- Drive a variety of vehicles in a safe and effective manner under a wide range of conditions;
- Use a variety of firearms and weapons in a safe and effective manner in the course of duty;
- Give directions, provide information and arrange for assistance;
- Maintain accurate logs and records of work performed;
- Participate in training seminars, conferences and programs to stay abreast of current crime trends and innovative policing techniques;
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from high school.
Note: See section below for allowable training and experience substitutions. Please review the Kaua’i Police Department Suitability Guidelines found at: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Police-Department/Recruitment/Police-Services-Officer. Age: All candidates for employment as a Police Services Officer shall be at least twenty (20) years of age at the time of filing application and 21 years old at the time of appointment.
Firearms Requirement: Applicants must meet Federal and State eligibility requirements to possess firearms. Some examples of persons who are disqualified to carry firearms are persons who have been convicted of any felony, crime of violence, illegal sale of any drug, domestic violence (felony or misdemeanor), etc.
License Requirement:
At the time of appointment, the candidate selected for hire will need to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. A motorcycle license is not acceptable. Knowledge of: grammar, spelling, and word usage.
Ability to: Learn and explain laws of arrest and pertinent local and state laws and ordinances; learn and apply police principles, practices, methods and techniques; learn job related computer applications; observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places; think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately; learn standard police radio broadcasting procedures; understand and carry out verbal and written directions; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; learn the geographical area and community composition.
Health and Physical Condition Requirement: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties.
All candidates for employment as a Police Services Officer shall be at least 20 years of age; possess good eyesight, and good physical condition and agility according to the standards set by the County of Kaua‘i.
Special Working Conditions: Irregular hours, shift and weekend work and exposure to hazardous and obnoxious conditions as required.
Required forms and documents:
- Copy of your high school diploma or equivalent.
- Evidence of education (degree or transcript). A legible photo copy of an official transcript will be accepted. DHR reserves the right to request an official copy if substituting education.
Note: Transcripts downloaded from the internet are not acceptable. Copy of your education degree or transcripts must be submitted in order to be given credit. Copies will not be returned. Supporting documents must be attached to the application postmarked or dropped off to: Department of Human Resources, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 140, Lihue, HI 96766 or emailed: hrrecruitment@kauai.gov within 10 calendar days from filing the application. Office hours are Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You must meet all the requirements for the position you are seeking as of the filing date of your application, unless otherwise specified. If you do NOT meet the minimum qualification requirements your application will be rejected. Therefore, please provide a complete application of all the information you would want considered in our review. You may request an administrative review to provide clarifying information only on the information that was originally provided on your application at the time of filing; subsequent submittal of missing documents or new information that was not part of your original application submittal will not be considered in the administrative review.Please note that unless specifically indicated, internships that are required for graduation may not be credited for experience. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. Overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position.Note: Calculation of experience is based on full-time, 40-hour work weeks and counted up to the last full month prior to the recruitment close date. Part-time experience will be pro-rated. Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours per week is equivalent to six months of experience. In addition, hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week will not be credited. Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours per week is equivalent to one year, not one and one-half years. Eligible lists may be used for temporary and permanent vacancies for the class of work during the life of the eligible list. Temporary appointments may lead to conversion to permanent employment.
Minimum Qualification Substitutions Allowed:The following may be substituted for education:
- Four (4) years of full-time work experience may be substituted for a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited community college, college or university, trades school, etc., may be substituted for a high school diploma or equivalent.
If a degree is used to substitute for the education requirement, it may not be used again towards the experience requirement. If work experience is used to substitute for education, it may not be used again to meet the experience requirement. If the applicant holds more than one degree, transcripts must be provided, and a thorough review will be conducted by the human resources staff in order for more than one degree to be credited towards the minimum qualification requirements. Additional degrees can be considered if obtained independently through mutually exclusive classes from another degree being considered. Substitutions will be used to the advantage of the applicant. Examination: For this recruitment you must qualify on a written test designed to measure your knowledge and skills necessary for satisfactory performance of the duties and responsibilities of this class of work. Your examination grade will be based on 100% of the written test score. Candidates may be examined for their knowledge and abilities as mentioned above.- Please note written exams are held ONLY on Kaua'i. We do NOT conduct testing in other jurisdictions.
- When attending the exam, please be prompt. There will be no admittance once the door is closed.
- Written Tests are tentatively scheduled for: July 17, 2024; August 21, 2024; September 25, 2024; October 23, 2024; November 27, 2024; and Decembers 18, 2024.
Bring your the following to the WRITTEN EXAM:
VALID photo identificationadmission letter (electronic or printed)Without these documents, you will NOT be permitted to enter the examination room. Cell phones are permitted in the testing room, however, you will be required to store them away from you. Watches are not allowed in the testing room, if you are wearing a watch you will be asked to remove it and it will be stored away from you.The written exam results will be emailed to you on the day of the testing. You will be asked to verify your email address.
Physical Readiness Standards Test (PRST): Date: Applicants who receive a passing score on the written test (described above) will be referred to the Police Departmentand required to pass a Physical Readiness Standards Test to continue in the hiring process. Candidates must be able to perform the following:- Agility Run - 19.8 seconds
- Bench press - 75% of body weight
- One minute sit up - 27 continuous reps in 60 seconds
- 300 Meter run - 77 seconds
- Push up - 27 continuous reps, no time limit
- 1.5 mile run - 19 minutes 16 seconds
These standards and readiness tips may be viewed in further detail by visiting the Kauai Police Department website www.kauai.gov/policePRST Testing will be administered on the same day as the written exam. You will be provided the time and location of the PRST examination.
When reporting to the testing site for the Physical Readiness Standards Testing (PRST), candidates must be prompt and bring the items listed below:- Picture Identification (i.e. driver's license – this is required in order to participate).
- Uniform Attire for the PRST: Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Gym Shorts or pants, socks and running shoes (Cleats are not allowed).
- Other Essentials: Water, snacks, towel, prescription medication and sun block.
Note: Spectators are not allowed at the Physical Readiness Standards Testing.Please do notattempt to participate knowing you are not in good health. If you appear injured or not in good health, the Kauai Police Department "Fit Force" instructors will not allow you to participate.Note: You will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to taking part in the Physical Readiness Standards test. The length of the Physical Readiness Standards test will be determined by the number of applicants participating. Please prepare yourself to remain until each event is completed and you have signed out properly with a Kaua'i Police Department "Fit Force" instructor. Results will be given at the conclusion of the test.If you have any questions regarding the PRST test, please contact Sergeant Matthew Tavares at mtavares@kauai.gov.
After passing the PRST test you will be instructed on how to complete the Personal History Packet (PHP) and be fingerprinted. Recruits must possess sound moral character, integrity, and credibility. Each candidate's character and background will be thoroughly reviewed to determine suitability for employment. If you have questions regarding the Personal History Packet, please contact Sergeant Matthew Tavares at mtavares@kauai.gov.Individuals offered a position with the department will be required to pass a suitability background investigation, oral interview, psychological assessment, polygraph test, drug screening and a pre-employment medical exam prior to their employment.IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR POLICE SERVICES OFFICER APPLICANTSA pre-employment medical exam is required prior to employment at the applicant's own expense.Out-of-State and neighbor island applicants must travel a minimum of three (3) times to Kauai for the written test and further evaluations.The probation period is part of the examination/selections process. All Police Services Officer recruits must successfully pass an initial probation of one (1) year before becoming a regular civil service member.Information provided herein constitutes requirements known at the time of announcement of this examination and may be revised or changed without limitation or notice for good reason thereafter.
For further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the Internal Complaint and Merit Appeals Board Processes please visitwww.kauai.gov.Benefits: As a civil service, full-time position, this position comes with the following BENEFITS and associated deductions:- Pay Raises: Pay raises are negotiated by the respective union for this position. This position is part of bargaining unit 12, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO).
- Paid Vacation Time: Employees start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire! 14 hours are earned after a full month of service which means 21 days per year!
- Paid Sick Leave Time: Employees start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire! 14 hours are earned after a full month of service which means 21 days per year!
- Paid Holidays: The County recognizes 13 holidays per year as well as General Election Day every other year.
- Retirement: This position is eligible to participate in the State sponsored defined benefits retirement plan. The State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System (ERS) is the current retirement plan which requires employees to contribute a portion of their earnings to the retirement plan. Currently, most employees must contribute 8% of their pay to the retirement system. However there are exceptions, for example Police Officers and Fire Fighters contribute 12.2 to 14.2%. Please see the ERS website at https://ers.ehawaii.gov/members/active for more information.
- Health Insurance: The County pays a portion of the premiums for employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan. This is managed through the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF). Please see the EUTF website at https://eutf.hawaii.gov/ for current employee contribution rates.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees can increase their take-home pay by having the County deduct the cost of health care premiums, medical and dependent care expenses before payroll taxes are withheld.
- Group Life Insurance: The County provides a free life insurance policy (currently worth $38,505) for active employees for those employees who pass away while employed. For more information, go to the EUTF website https://eutf.hawaii.gov/health-life-insurance-providers/securian/active-benefits/ for more information. Age reductions apply and coverage decreases beginning at age 65.
- Deferred Compensation (IRC Section 457 Plan): Employees are eligible to join the State of Hawaii Island Savings Deferred Compensation Plan and defer portions of their income taxation on retirement savings into future years. Please refer to the Island Savings website at https://islandsavings.preparewithpru.com/index.html for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: Benefits are subject to legislative and negotiated changes. 