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Deputy Sheriffs Employment

State of Hawai’i

DEPUTY SHERIFF I

NEXT RECRUITMENT WILL BE IN JUNE 2024!

Interested on applying? You can submit an interest card. Clink here “How to Submit a Job Interest Card”

Duties Summary

Positions in this class of work receive classroom and on-the-job training in the laws, rules, regulations, principles, practices, procedures and techniques of law enforcement; the operation of firearms and other equipment; as well as physical conditioning.

As a trainee, perform selected duties under close supervision, usually as an assistant to a higher level position who provides detailed instructions. Assignments are designed to provide incumbents with experience and training leading to the independent performance of duties characteristic of the next higher level.

Incumbents of positions at this level must have the ability to:

  • learn and apply pertinent laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, court writs and processing, and law enforcement
  • principles, practices, methods and techniques;
  • the ability to operate a motor vehicle and to learn to operate firearms and other equipment used on the job;
  • the ability to follow oral and written instructions, deal courteously but firmly with people, prepare clear and concise
  • reports; assist and participate in patrol work, and perform other related duties as assigned.

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Education: Graduation from high school, or equivalent, with satisfactory completion of courses demonstrating knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; and ability to read and comprehend complex written material, and write clear, factual reports.

Desirable/Preferred Education (not a requirement): A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university, which demonstrated the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports, read and interpret complex written material; and solve complex problems logically and systematically.


General Experience: (2) TWO YEARS of work experience which demonstrated the following abilities:

A) read and comprehend complex material, such as rules and regulations;
B) write clear, factual reports; and
C) meet and deal effectively with people. Such experience must demonstrate the ability to read, write, understand and communicate effectively with others in English.

Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, will apply.
License: You must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of appointment.

Other Requirements:

A. All applicants who are conditionally offered or conditionally approved for movement into any of these positions shall be subject to drug screening, as required by Federal, State or local laws or departmental policy; and will be subject to an intensive background check.
B. All applicants must be available to work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays and on-call. By applying for this recruitment, applicants are indicating their willingness to work a rotating shift schedule. Mandatory overtime may be required.
C. All prospective hires must be at least 21 years of age upon the start of the Law Enforcement Recruit Class (LERC).
D. In accordance with the Hawaii Administrative Rules, §23-10 & §14-3, any derogatory information such as, but not limited 3/11 to, records of discipline, disciplinary investigations, and prior disciplinary actions in your employment records will be evaluated as part of the suitability assessment.

Firearms Requirement: Applicants must meet all Federal and State regulations pertaining to the carrying, use and possession of firearms and ammunition. Under the requirements of the Federal Firearm Gun Control Act, applicants for these positions may not possess a conviction of domestic violence.

Physical and Medical Requirements: Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position.

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Requirement: As required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), Federal
law states that “….an agency shall not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with inmates and who:

(1) Has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution.
(2) Has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse.
(3) Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in #2 above.
(4) Has been the subject of substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment or resigned during a pending investigation of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment.”

Personal Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate that they possess traits and characteristics required for this work. Among these are alertness, tact, integrity, honesty, good judgment, and ability to deal with employees and with the general public.

Probationary Period: If selected for employment, you must pass all phases of the LERC and additional drug tests during
your nine-month probationary period.

OTHER INFORMATION

**** Testing Information****

The examination for this recruitment involves “successive hurdles.” Applicants must successfully complete and pass EACH test phase to proceed to the next phase.


Qualified candidates who have successfully completed and passed EACH test phase, including the Criminal History Check and Comprehensive Background Investigation, will be contacted to attend the next available Law Enforcement Recruit Class (LERC). THE LERC is part of the initial probationary period and part of the examination process to determine the employee’s fitness and ability for the position. The successful completion of the 27.5-week LERC class is a requirement for membership in the Civil Service.

1. Evaluation of your application to determine whether you meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQRs) and public employment requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE (Download PDF reader).

The following test phases will be conducted by the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE):

2. Written Test (WT)
The WT will be administered on the island of Oahu at a designated location only. There shall be no exceptions granted. Sufficient advanced notice will be sent to all qualified applicants by email. Once notification is given, no rescheduling or make up tests will be permitted.
Any and all costs associated with travel shall be the applicant’s responsibility.
Applicants MUST PASS this test phase in order to proceed to the next test phase.

3. Physical Ability Test (PAT)
The PAT will be administered on the island of Oahu at a designated location only. There shall be no exceptions granted.
Further details will be provided to applicants by DLE when they are scheduled to take the PAT. Once notification is given, no rescheduling or make up tests will be permitted.
Applicants will be notified by email of the date, time and location.
Any and all costs associated with travel shall be the applicant’s responsibility.
Applicants MUST PASS this test phase in order to proceed to the next test phase.

If you are not already involved in a regular exercise program, start one now. Maintaining and/or improving your fitness level will increase your chances for success in the PAT. The job of a Deputy Sheriff is physically demanding, stressful, and may be dangerous from time to time. Check with your physician or health care provider prior to engaging in any strenuous physical training.


Listed below are the physical benchmarks to meet in order to successfully complete the Department of Law Enforcement’s Physical Ability Test for the Deputy Sheriff I recruitment process. The Sheriff Physical Fitness Benchmark Test sequence is the push-up, sit-up and 1.5 mile run. The Sheriff Physical Fitness Benchmark Test provides a measure of upper and lower body muscular endurance. It is a performance test that indicates a recruit’s ability to perform physically and handle his or her own body weight.

  • 1 Minute Push-ups
    • The push-up event measures the endurance of the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscle. The minimum number of acceptable push-ups is 20 within one (1) minute
  • 1 Minute Sit-ups
    • The sit-up event measures the endurance of the abdominal and hip-flexor muscles. The minimum number of acceptable sit-ups is 20 within one (1) minute.
  • 1.5 Mile Run
    • The 1.5-mile run measures your aerobic fitness and endurance of the leg muscles. This is a timed run over a measured course. Minimum acceptable time is seventeen (17) minutes and thirty (30) seconds regardless of age category.

Preparation for the Physical Ability Testing
The Law Enforcement Department wishes you success on the physical fitness portion of the Deputy Sheriff I, recruit
process. We recommend you take the time to properly prepare, by starting a personal fitness program that includes both
strength and aerobic exercises.

Further details will be provided to applicants by DLE when they are scheduled for the Oral Interview. Once notification is given, no rescheduling or make up tests will be permitted.
Applicants will be notified by email of the date, time and location.
Any and all costs associated with travel shall be the applicant’s responsibility.
Applicants MUST PASS this test phase in order to proceed to the next test phase.

5. Pre-Offer Non-Medical Suitability Screening (POSS)
The POSS will be administered on the islands of Oahu and Maui at a designated location only. There shall be no exceptions granted.
Further details will be provided to applicants by DLE when they are scheduled for the POSS. Once notification is given, no rescheduling or make up tests will be permitted.
Applicants will be notified by email of the date, time and location.
Any and all costs associated with travel shall be the applicant’s responsibility.
Applicants MUST PASS this test phase in order to proceed to the next test phase.

6. Criminal History Check/Comprehensive Background Investigation and Truth Verification Examination
All applicants are required to sign an Applicant’s consent, Authorization and Request to Release Information Waiver. This gives your consent and authorization to release any and all records, information, and opinions regarding your background, education, employment, character and reputation needed by the Department of Human Resources Development and/or the Department of Law Enforcement to make a thorough investigation to determine your fitness and suitability for employment
with the State of Hawaii.

This authorization shall apply to include all criminal history records, information and opinions, military records, all educational and employment history records, and traffic abstract records. For this purpose, you waive any and all privileges you may have to maintain such records, information and opinions as confidential, including but not limited to the privileges arising out of the foregoing relationships.

All applicants will be required to complete and submit the following forms:

  1. Request, Consent and Notification for Fingerprint Clearance for State Civil Service, Non-civil Service and Exempt Employment;
  2. Applicant’s Consent, Authorization and Request to Release Information and Waiver;
  3. Applicant’s Personal History Questionnaire;
  4. Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

Applicants MUST CLEAR this phase in order to proceed to the next test phase.

7. Post Offer Psychological Evaluation and One-on-One Interview with a Board Certified Psychologist in Clinical Psychology and Police and Department of Law Enforcement Psychology
This a two part process.

A) Complete questionnaires.
B) Interview with the Board-Certified Psychologist in Clinical Psychology and Police and Department of Law Enforcement Psychology.

Further details will be provided to applicants by DLE when they are scheduled to complete the questionnaires. Once notification is given, no rescheduling or make ups will be permitted.
Applicants will be notified by email of the date, time and location.
Any and all costs associated with travel shall be the applicant’s responsibility.
Applicants MUST PASS this test phase in order to proceed to the next test phase.

8. Medical/Physical Examination
If selected for employment, applicants are required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination, tuberculosis (TB) test and a pre-employment drug test which must be paid by the applicant.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

OTHER JOB INFORMATION

  • Hawaii State law requires that all State employees be Hawaii residents for the duration of their employment with the State. To learn more, please see: Information Sheet – Suspension of Residency Requirements for Applicants
  • Requirements for retirees of the State of Hawaii, Employees’ Retirement System, who are Returning to Work.
  • Job Fair Appearances – to be announced.
  • Don’t see a job that interests you? Submit a Job Interest Card to be notified by the Department of Human Resources Development about recruitment for positions in the Executive Branch in your area of expertise.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:  The Department of Human Resources  has rescinded the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for new hires assigned to work in congregate settings effective immediately.
  • Non-Discrimination Policy:  The Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under federal or state law, with respect to any program or activity.
https://vimeo.com/535127431
The following video tutorial will help you understand the process in order to apply to a State government position via our recruitment website.

Questions?

For more information about employment opportunities with the Department of Law Enforcement and the application process, please contact the Human Resources Office by phone at 808-587-5036 or by email at [email protected] (preferred).

The State of Hawaii is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable State and Federal laws relating to employment practices.