The Hawaii Sheriff Division is on the lookout for men and women to serve as deputy sheriffs on all islands, but especially in Hawaii County.
Until Feb. 7 the division is accepting applications to fill 30 openings on all the islands and particularly nine openings in Kona, said Sheriff Robin Nagamine. Kona has 15 deputy positions.
He said more deputies are needed in Kona because Hawaii island deputies usually live in Hilo, and Kona deputies often transfer there when a spot opens up.
Another reason for the greater demand in Kona is because there are greater distances between courthouses, he said.
State Rep. Nicole Lowen got the Legislature to approve five additional deputy positions currently open for Kona because of the courthouse situation. She said Family Court is in a strip mall, Drug Court is several miles away in a former garden center and District Court is in an old hospital building.
"This will greatly increase the safety in our courts right now," said Lowen (D, Kailua-Kona-Holualoa-Kalaoa-Honokohau). "We need a new courthouse for Kona."
Nagamine said the division usually hires about once a year, and the last class graduated in October. There are about 320 deputies in the division.
He expects 2,000 to 3,000 to apply, and the number of slots filled will depend on quality of the applicants.
To qualify, the applicant must be a high school graduate; be able to demonstrate knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation; have the ability to read and comprehend complex written material; write a clear, factual report; and have at least two years of work experience that demonstrates these abilities.
After the initial recruitment, applicants will be tested on physical fitness (pushups, sit-ups and a 1.5-mile run) and have to complete a written test to gauge their reading, writing and comprehension skills. After successful completion of the physical ability and written test, the applicant may be scheduled for an interview with the department.
Once the physical testing, written testing and interview are completed, individuals selected will take a five-month course that will consist of 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.
Those interested can apply on the Department of Human Resources and Development website until Feb. 7.
"This recruitment will help the department fill several positions," Nagamine said.
He said the division is looking for people with "physical and mental fitness, alertness, tact, integrity, honesty, good judgment and the ability to deal effectively with the public."
For a complete list of recruitment requirements and to apply to become a deputy sheriff, go to the human resources website at dhrd.hawaii.gov/job-seekers.
