Police Officer I (Recruit)

Hilo, HI
County of Hawai`i Police Department

Salary: $76,008.00 Annually.

Position Summary:

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.

Essential Functions:

  • 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.
  • 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.

Requirements:

  • 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.