KPD RECRUITMENT

The Kauai Police Department employs approximately 150 sworn personnel and about 50 non-sworn personnel. Entry-level positions include:

• Police Services Officer (probationary police officer)
• Public Safety Worker (works in KPD’s cellblock)
• Police Dispatcher
• Clerk

A primary focus for KPD over the last few years has been to recruit and hire more police officers; a challenge that is complicated by the extremely low unemployment rate in the State of Hawaii.

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Police Services Officer

Public Safety Worker I (SR-15)

Radio Dispatcher I (SR-14)

The starting base pay for Police Services Officers is:

$3,585 a month           ($20.68 an hour)

After 1-yr of probation, officers are paid:

$3,727 a month           ($22.79 an hour) after probation

Police Officers also receive:

6% a year pay raise and approximately 4% step movements every 3^rd year.

Differential Pay (paid in addition to the base salary):

Standards of conduct:    $.80 an hour ($125 month)

Night differential:             $.55 an hour ($88 month)

Other differentials vary: 5%-25% of base hourly rate

Being a "good person" is not enough to make a good police officer. KPD needs individuals who display positive behaviors even when exposed to the types of stress that are inherent with police work; such as the long work hours and changing shifts, verbal abuse, combative or unruly individuals, and handling of traumatic incidents.

Among other things, KPD considers the following dimensions, and seeks corresponding positive behaviors in the people it considers for the position of Police Officer:

SOCIAL COMPETENCE

This involves communicating with others in a tactful and respectful manner, and showing sensitivity and concern in one’s daily interactions.

TEAMWORK

This involves working effectively with others to accomplish goals, as well as subordinating personal interests for the good of the working group and agency.

ADAPTABILITY-FLEXIBILITY

This involves the ability to change gears and easily adjust to the many different, sudden, and sometimes competing demands inherent in law enforcement work.

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS-DEPENDABILITY

This involves diligent and reliable work patterns, performed in a timely, logical manner in accordance with rules and regulations.

IMPULSE CONTROL-ATTENTION TO SAFETY

This involves taking proper precautions and avoiding impulsive and/or unnecessarily risky behavior. It includes the ability and inclination to think before acting, and to act with a conscious regard for the larger situation at hand.

INTEGRITY-ETHICS

This involves maintaining high standards of personal conduct. It consists of attributes such as honesty, impartiality, trustworthiness, and abiding by laws, regulations and procedures.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION & STRESS TOLERANCE

This involves the ability to maintain composure and stay in control, particularly during stressful situations, including life-threatening or time-critical events. It involves taking the negative aspects of the job in stride, maintaining an even temperament, as well as accepting criticism.

DECISION-MAKING & JUDGMENT

This involves common sense, and the ability to make sound decisions. It also involves the ability to sift through information to glean that which is important, and to use that information effectively.

ASSERTIVENESS-PERSUASIVENESS

This involves taking control of situations without hesitation, in a calm and appropriately assertive manner, even under dangerous or adverse conditions.

AVOIDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE & OTHER RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOR

This involves avoiding participation in behavior that is inappropriate, self-damaging, and which can adversely impact organizational functioning, such as alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, and illegal or harmful gambling.

The screening of Police Officer and Public Safety Worker applicants includes the following steps and measures:

1. Entrance Exam

   The entrance exam is administered by the County of Kauai Department of Personnel Services to all qualified individuals who have applied for the Police Services Officer or Public Safety Worker positions.

   
   
2. Personal History Questionnaire

   Eligible applicants, who have passed the written examination, will be required to complete a KPD Personal History Questionnaire ("PHQ"). The PHQ asks for information regarding your education, past employment, places of residence, criminal and traffic history, personal references, among other pertinent information.

   
   
3. Oral Interview Board

   Suitable applicants may be invited to an oral interview before a board of police interviewers.

   
   
4. Initial Background Review

   KPD conducts an initial review of the applicants' histories based on, but not limited to, information submitted in their PHQ. If disqualifying factors are evident at this point, the applicant will not be recommended for further processing.

   
   
5. Suitability Assessment

   If disqualifying factors have not been found at this point, applicants will be scheduled for a battery of written pre-offer psychological suitability instruments designed to assess the job suitability of the applicants. These instruments will ask more questions about the applicant's history.

   
   
6. Background Investigation

   A structured background investigation will be conducted on all remaining applicants, giving special attention to any areas of concern identified in the Suitability Assessment. The investigation includes a check of each applicant's employment history, schooling history, personal history, financial history, criminal history, military background if any, and any other relevant information to further determine the applicant's job suitability for police work.

   
   
7. Pre-Conditional Job Offer

   Pre-conditional job offers will be made to the number of remaining applicants for which there are also vacant positions with the Kauai Police Department.

   
   
8. Polygraph Examination

   Those applicants who accept the pre-conditional job offer are scheduled for a pre-employment polygraph examination.

   
   
9. Psychological Assessment

   All remaining applicants are given a written battery of post-offer psychological tests as well as an in-person psychological interview.

   
   
10. Drug Screening

    All applicants are subject to a urinalysis drug screening at any point during the selection process.

    
    
11. Pre-Employment Physical Examination

    Applicants who have successfully completed all the above stages of the selection process are required to complete a full physical examination. Applicants who satisfactorily complete the examination are offered probationary employment with the Kauai Police Department.

    
    
12. Probationary Employment

    Police Services Officers must serve a 12-month probationary period, which includes the successful completion of basic recruit training (the police academy) and the Field Training Officer (FTO) program.