Hawaii launches campaign for new corrections officers

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is looking for new recruits.

The DCR is trying to fill nearly 400 vacant adult correction officer positions statewide and is launching a recruiting campaign.

“The campaign officially kicked off yesterday and our goal is to recruit qualified adult corrections officers for our correctional facilities statewide,” Director Tommy Johnson said. “When we are fully staffed, our facilities require about 1,500 adult corrections officers. Right now, we need approximately 400 officers to fill vacant positions. We encourage all those who are interested to go to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s website to apply.”

Johnson said their goal is for inmates to be reintegrated back into the community after serving time in their facilities.

“We believe everyone deserves a second chance. We’re looking for adult corrections officers who have a heart for people. They should have a genuine interest in helping others grow and change. We’ve transitioned to a rehabilitative model. Our adult corrections officers are mentors and coaches that still demand tough love. That’s why our campaign theme is: “Unlocking Potential.” Starting pay for adult corrections officers is slightly more than $60,000 a year.”

DCR believes that corrections officers play a critical role in the islands.

“These may be people who don’t believe there is another way forward for them,” Johnson said. “They may feel it is too hard to try to change. When we create a culture of care and support, we start to believe they can change and they start to see their lives in a new way. This is how we can begin to see real change and avoid people returning to prison, and creating a safer community for everyone.”

He is confident that they will be able to recruit enough adult corrections officers to fill vacancies.

“I’m pleased that those on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation team are really thinking outside the box and looking at different ways to recruit adult corrections officers. We are reaching them in theaters and on their phone. And we are onboarding them faster to get them into our facilities.”

If you’re interested in applying, you can go to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website and click on the employment tab at the top, and view the job description.