HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) is ramping up efforts to address staffing shortages that have hindered essential government functions.
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With over 425 vacancies for adult corrections officers (ACO) out of 1,535 authorized positions, the DCR has initiated a comprehensive recruitment campaign titled “Unlocking Potential.”
Since the campaign’s launch over the summer, it has attracted more than 755 eligible applicants and successfully filled nearly 190 ACO positions, including 89 temporary hires, from January 1 to October 15, 2024.
This marks a significant increase from the previous year, when approximately 570 eligible applicants resulted in around 100 filled positions.
As of mid-October, nearly 370 ACO positions remain vacant.
Security and law enforcement officers honored for service DCR Director Tommy Johnson emphasized the importance of hiring individuals with the right temperament and attitude, noting that the recruitment process includes thorough background checks, psychological evaluations, and physical fitness assessments.
To expedite hiring, the DCR has also implemented 89-day temporary hires, allowing new recruits to evaluate the job before committing to permanent positions.
Additionally, the department has increased its recruit training classes from two to six this year.
Starting salaries for ACOs have been raised to approximately $64,000 annually, up from $61,200, effective July 1, 2024.
As part of its expanded recruitment strategy, DCR will engage off-duty ACOs to conduct on-the-spot interviews at the Hawaii Career Expo, scheduled for October 30, 2024, at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
In a new initiative, the DCR is launching the “Champions of Change” campaign to recruit for various positions crucial to its mission, including roles in education, healthcare, food service, and human resources.
Recruitment videos featuring current employees will be shared on the DCR website and social media to attract potential candidates.
“These positions are vital in providing the support services inmates need to successfully reintegrate into the community,” Johnson stated.
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He added that the DCR aims to emphasize its commitment to rehabilitation, reflecting its recent name change from the Department of Public Safety.
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