Police Services Officer

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Police Officer Position Considerations

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:

  1. Integrity. This involves maintaining high standards of personal conduct. It consists of attributes such as honesty, impartiality, trustworthiness, and abiding by laws, regulations and procedures. It includes:
  2. Impulse Control/Attention To Safety. Avoiding impulsive and/or unnecessarily risky behavior to ensure the safety of oneself and others. It includes thinking before acting, taking proper precautions, keeping one's impetuous, knee-jerk reactions in check, and behaving in conscious regard for the larger situation at hand.
  3. Current Drug Use and Other Risk-Taking Behavior. This involves engaging in behavior that is inappropriate, self-damaging, and can adversely impact the agency, and includes alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, sale of drugs and gambling.
  4. Stress Tolerance. Maintaining composure, particularly during time-critical emergency events and other stressful situations; weathering negative events and circumstances and maintaining an even temperament and positive attitude. Accepting criticism without becoming overly defensive or allowing it to hamper behavior or job performance.
  5. Confronting and Overcoming Problems, Obstacles and Adversity. This involves willingness and persistence in confronting problems and personal adversity. It includes taking control of situations, as necessary, and demonstrating hustle and drive in reaching goals.
  6. Conscientiousness. Diligent, reliable, conscientious work patterns; performing in a timely, logical manner in accordance with rules, regulations and organizational policies.
  7. Interpersonal skills. This involves interacting with others in a tactful and respectful manner, and showing sensitivity, concern, tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness in one's daily interactions.
  8. Decision-Making and Judgment. The ability to make timely, sound decisions, especially in dangerous, pressure-filled situations and/or where information is incomplete and/or conflicting. Able to size up situations quickly to determine appropriate action. It also involves the ability to sift through information to glean that which is important, and, once identified, to use that information effectively.
  9. Learning ability. Ability to comprehend and retain a good deal of information, to recall factual information, and to apply what is learned.
  10. Communication Skills. Ability to make oneself understood, both orally and in writing.

Partial Guidelines for Suitability

The following are partial guidelines used by the Kauaʻi Police Department to determine whether an applicant is suitable for employment with the Kauaʻi Police Department. The guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Kauaʻi Police Department.

Has on file or admits to the following: Time period from application are underlined

CRIMINAL HISTORY

Felony Conviction Unsuitable
Misdemeanor / Crime of Violence Unsuitable
Conviction which involved injury or threat to a person. Assault, Abuse of a Family or Household Member, Terroristic Threat. 707-712(1)(2), 707-712.5, 707-714, 707-717, 709-904, 709-906, 710-1026, 711-1101(1)(a&c), 711-1106(1)(a&b), and 712-1248(1)(d) HRS.
Felony arrest (non-conviction) Within 5 years
Other Misdemeanor Conviction Within 3 years
Petty Misdemeanor Conviction Within 2 years

DRUGS

(Illegal Substance Use / Possession)

Conviction Unsuitable
Involved in Illegal Sales / Trade Within 5 years
Use of any Illegal Drug other than Marijuana Within 5 years
Marijuana use or possession Within the last year

TRAFFIC HISTORY

(Applicable to employees who may operate vehicles as part of employment)

Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant Within 3 years
Moving Violations (Example Speeding) 3 or more within 3 years
Driver's License Suspension Within 3 years
Excessive speed conviction, racing, reckless driving Within the last year

Preparing for the written examination

Preparing for the Physical Readiness Standards Test

The Kauai Police Department (KPD) requires qualified Police Services Officer applicants to have a minimum level of physical readiness in order to perform the essential physical functions of the job. To ensure that its police officers can safely perform those physical tasks, all qualified applicants will be required to undergo a Physical Readiness Standards Test (PRST) which will involve the following 6 physical fitness tests:

Agility run: This measures the ability to change direction while sprinting. The test consists of sprinting while dodging around obstacles (traffic cones) over a 180-foot course. 19.8 seconds

Bench press test: This measures the absolute strength of the upper body. The test consists of lying on a bench and pushing free weight in a vertical manner parallel to the body. Push 75% of your body weight.

Sit up test: The measure of trunk muscular endurance is very important to job function, overall physical performance, and the avoidance of injury. The test consists of the maximum number of sit ups performed in sixty seconds. 27 continuous reps in 60 seconds.

300 meter run: This measures anaerobic power or the ability to make an intense burst of effort for a short time period or distance. The test consists of running 300 meters as fast as possible. The maximum time allowed is 77 seconds.

Push up test: This measures the muscular endurance of the upper body. The test consists of doing as many pushups continuously from the front leaning rest position with no time limit. 27 continuous reps no time limit.

1.5 mile run: This measures aerobic power or cardiovascular endurance, the ability to sustain rhythmic movement of large muscle groups for a period of time. The test consists of running/walking 1.5 miles as fast as possible. The maximum time allowed is 19 minutes 16 seconds.

These standards and readiness tips can be viewed in further detail by reviewing Physical Readiness Handbook for Applicants and Incumbents.

Police Services Officer Hiring Process

The Kauai Police Department's hiring and selection process for Police Services Officer is comprised of three phases:

Includes the notice of vacancy, acceptance of applications, review of minimum qualifications, a written examination and referral of candidates. (Coordinated by the County of Kauai Department of Human Resources)

Phase 2: Pre-Offer Testing & Background Investigation

Includes a Physical Readiness Standards Test, completion of a Personal History Packet (PHP) and an in-depth Background Investigation.  

Includes a Post-offer Psychological Examination and Interview, Polygraph Testing, Drug Screening and a Pre-employment Physical Examination.

Police Services Officer Minimum Qualifications

  • 20 years of age or older
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license
  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or American national
  • Eligible to carry and/ or possess a firearm under state and federal laws; (No felony conviction, No misdemeanor conviction for a crime of violence, and no illegal drug conviction).

***This is not all-inclusive, and is intended only as a general guideline. Review additional guidelines below***

Base pay for Police Services Officer

STARTING PAY:

$65,652.00 annually (as of July 1, 2020)

DIFFERENTIAL PAY:

$3.60 per hour for Standards of Conduct

$.55 per hour for Night Differential

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