State Looking to Recruit Sheriff’s Deputies on Big Isle

The state Department of Public Safety is looking for men and women interested in joining its Sheriff Division.

A three-week recruitment period will begin Saturday, Jan. 18. A full list of requirements and instructions on how to apply are available on the Department of Human Resources and Development website.

Sheriff’s deputies carry out a variety of roles including law enforcement at state buildings, and also transport and secure prisoners for court appearances, including those that involve inter-island travel.

They may arrest, book and process persons entering the judicial system, and serve various types of warrants and similar documents. They also conduct investigations of both felony and misdemeanor crimes.

Candidates will be accepted from all of the state’s counties, but a Public Safety spokeswoman said the department is particularly seeking applicants from the Big Island.

To qualify, applicants must be a high school graduate and be able to demonstrate knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation. They must also have the ability to read and comprehend complex written material and write a clear, factual report.

Candidates must have at least two years of work experience which demonstrates those abilities.

The recruitment process will include a test of the above as well as of physical fitness to include pushups, sit-ups and a 1.5-mile run.

Those who pass the above and the interview will participate in a five-month recruit class consisting of classroom and on-the-job training in various aspects of law enforcement, operation of firearms and other equipment and physical conditioning.

“This recruitment will help the department fill several positions,” said Sheriff Robin Nagamine. “We are looking for people who possess traits and characteristics required for this type of work.

“Among these are physical and mental fitness, alertness, tact, integrity, honesty, good judgment and the ability to deal effectively with the public,” Nagamine said.