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Police Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Department of Police Opening Date: 02/12/2021 Description SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY If you are interested in applying for the Police Officer I recruitment and would like in-person assistance, or if you ...

Police Records Technician I

Lihue, HI · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Police Records Technician I This posting is for external candidates only. Current County of Kaua'i employees, must apply on the Internal Career Site. Job Summary: Independently performs the full ...

Attends police recruit training sessions; receives on-the-job training by accompanying experienced police officers on patrols; performs a variety of law enforcement duties under supervision of a ...

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Police information

See Hawaii salary details

$24.9K

$63K

$87.3K

How much do police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for police in Hawaii is $62,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative procedures, and physical fitness, typically acquired through police academy training and, in many cases, a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body cameras, and radio communication systems is essential for effective fieldwork. Excellent judgment, strong communication, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling high-stress situations and interacting with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for upholding public safety, enforcing laws fairly, and building community trust.

What are some of the typical challenges police officers face during their daily shifts?

Police officers frequently encounter unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as responding to emergency calls, handling disputes, or managing high-stress incidents. Balancing community engagement with enforcing laws can also be challenging, as officers must build trust while maintaining authority. Additionally, officers often work in shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, which can impact work-life balance. Despite these challenges, strong teamwork, ongoing training, and support from colleagues help officers navigate the complexities of the role.

Is it hard to get a police job?

Getting a police job can be competitive and typically requires meeting specific requirements such as a minimum age, a clean background check, physical fitness, and passing written and psychological exams. Candidates often need to complete police academy training and may face a rigorous selection process, including interviews and background investigations.

Is 27 too late to become a police officer?

Police departments often accept applicants in their late 20s, and 27 is generally not considered too late to start a career as a police officer. Many agencies require candidates to meet age and background requirements, and prior life experience can be an asset in law enforcement roles.

What is the difference between Police vs Security Guard?

AspectPoliceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, police academy certification, sometimes college degreeSecurity guard training, certification varies by state, sometimes no formal education required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public spaces, crime scenes, emergency situationsPrivate properties, malls, events, corporate buildings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law enforcementPrivate security companies, businesses

Police officers and security guards both focus on safety and security, but police have law enforcement authority, undergo extensive training, and handle criminal investigations. Security guards primarily monitor property, prevent theft, and provide access control. The roles differ mainly in authority, training, and work environment.

What do police officers do?

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and meeting citation quotas in their jurisdiction. As a police officer, you patrol the community, investigate crime, make arrests, and issue citations for parking, traffic, and other minor violations. Your main duty is maintaining public order and protecting property. You may work independently or with a partner, and you complete your patrols in a car, on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback. You have training in weapons use in case of any situation in which you fear for your safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Police jobs in Hawaii are:
What are popular job titles related to Police jobs in Hawaii? For Police jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Police jobs in Hawaii are:
What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Police jobs? Cities in Hawaii with the most Police job openings:
Infographic showing various Police job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,991 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer

Honolulu Police Department

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$7.2K - $7.8K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Honolulu Police Department rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 44 rated police


Job description

Position Information THIS JOB POSTING IS FOR CURRENT, EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS ONLY If you do not qualify for our Lateral-Entry Program, we welcome you to apply to the Metropolitan Police Recruit position which is currently on recruitment. Lateral officers will be required to successfully complete a paid 12-week accelerated Lateral Academy and 9-week Field Training and Evaluation Program. Lateral officers will be credited up to nine (9) years of qualifying service from their current employer for salary and step movements only.

Base salary for the 3 different steps are as follows: 2-3 years of creditable service: $7,259 per month 4-6 years of creditable service: $7,560 per month 7-9 years of creditable service: $7,852 per month In addition to the base salary, officers receive $658.67 Standards of Conduct Differential (SOCD) per month ($7,904 per year). (The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position.) Patrols an assigned area on foot or in a mobile vehicle

Watches for and prevents unauthorized activity. Makes arrests. Conducts investigations of complaints, misdemeanors, felonies, traffic violations, crimes of violence, etc.

Questions witnesses and suspects. Directs and controls traffic. Conducts investigations of traffic accidents.

Responds to emergencies, maintains order, renders first aid, safeguards property, preserves evidence, and detains suspected violators of the laws. Serves warrants, subpoenas and penal summonses. Testifies in court.

Takes fingerprints as required. Participates in stake-out, riot and crowd control. May assist and participate in police-community relations activities.

Gives talks and participates in panel discussions on juvenile delinquency, traffic safety and other issues. As required, may investigate gambling, morals, and narcotics offenses; act in an undercover capacity; and participate in aerial patrols. May be assigned to other specialized areas such as data processing, research and development, police activities league, junior police program, etc.

Familiarizes self with general and special orders, police bulletins and other related materials. Prepares various reports. Examination Process Applicants need to be prepared to begin processing within two (2) months of submitting their application.

The entire process can take as little as 4 1/2 months. Applicants who are not available for employment within the next 5-8 months should wait to apply. TRIP 1 - WRITTEN EXAM & PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (PAT) Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted by HPD via email with additional information and instructions to self-schedule for Trip 1 which will be offered about once per month.

Applicants need to schedule Trip 1 within two (2) months of their application date. WRITTEN EXAM Applicants will take a timed, multiple-choice exam which includes the following sections: Observation and Memory Written Communication Reading/Understanding Reasoning/Analytical Ability To pass, applicants must score a 70 or greater. There is no recommended study material/guides.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (PAT) Applicants who pass the written examination will move on to the PAT the next day. All events must be passed in order to continue in the selection process. Agility Run - 18 seconds 300-Meter Run - 69 seconds Push Ups - 30 Sit Ups - 30 in 1 minute 1.5-Mile Run - 17 minutes 31 seconds Applicants who pass the PAT will continue through HPD's internal selection process which includes completing a online Personal History Statement (PHS), Background Investigation and Panel Interview (online)

Applicants who successfully pass all of the pre-offer steps will be given a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE) and will be scheduled for Trip 2 (5 day trip). For a detailed overview of the entire application process, click here. Note: Depending on the number of vacancies and operational needs, applicants may be ranked by written score prior to backgrounds, and/or panel interview score prior to extending a conditional offer of employment.

Minimum Qualification Requirements At the time of application, applicants must meet all of the following: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS High School Diploma or General Educational Diploma (GED) Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license (type 3/automobile) US Citizen, US National, or Legal Permanent Resident (green card holder) Must be able to meet Federal and State eligibility requirements to possess firearms (no felony convictions; no misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence, other violent crimes, or illegal drug sales). TRAINING REQUIREMENT Successful completion of a police academy which qualifies for the Honolulu Police Department Basic Course Waiver (BCW). To qualify for the BCW, the following is required: Successful completion of a minimum 200-hour general law enforcement basic training within the United States; AND Successful completion of 664 hours of general law enforcement training.

The 664-hours training requirement may include the applicant's basic course. Officers who have a valid California POST certificate or valid California POST equivalency certificate automatically qualify for the HPD Basic Course Waiver. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT Currently employed as a commissioned/sworn law enforcement officer in full-duty status at a municipal, city, county or state law enforcement agency which is recognized by the Honolulu Police Department as performing equivalent duties.

Experience with the current employer must include at least two (2) years of post-academy experience performing ALL of the following tasks: Patrolling a geographical area Responding to the full range of requests for police services including response to 911 emergency and non-emergency calls for service at residences, private properties, commercial establishments and government properties Performing enforcement actions on the full-range of law violations Conducting investigations of criminal activity that includes a variety of felony and misdemeanor offenses, and motor vehicle accidents/collisions. In addition to meeting these minimum qualifications, we highly recommend applicants review HPD's Selection Standards to determine the likelihood in successfully passing the background investigation. To review HPD's Selection Standards, click here.

Additional Information All notifications will be sent via email. Applicants are responsible for monitoring instructions and correspondence by checking email accounts in a timely manner. To ensure proper delivery, please use a valid email account, verify a correct email address is entered into the GovernmentJobs account that is used to apply, and check spam folders on a regular basis.

Paper applications are not accepted for this recruitment.


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