Bill Text: HI SB2313 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Department of Public Safety; Deputy Sheriffs; Recruits; Psychological Examination; Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-02-12 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [SB2313 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-SB2313-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2313 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to law enforcement.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The mission of the sheriff division of the department of public safety is to preserve the peace by protecting all persons and property within premises under the control of the judiciary and all State facilities; provide process services and execution of court documents; handle detained persons; and provide secure transportation for persons in custody. The State entrusts deputy sheriffs with tremendous authority. Although several factors influence the potential success or failure of deputy sheriffs, the State is concerned about the emotional and psychological adequacy of recruits.
Deputy sheriffs perform work of varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility as law enforcement officers in carrying out duties prescribed by the laws of Hawaii, including arrests, booking, and transportation of inmates. Deputy sheriffs are authorized to detain individuals with the aid of physical force when necessary to achieve submission to a lawful arrest. The work experience can be highly stressful, physically and mentally, but deputy sheriffs must be able to make appropriate decisions under difficult circumstances.
In addition to the authority to deprive individuals of their freedom, deputy sheriffs have access to confidential information. In fulfilling their duties, deputy sheriffs often use classified information, which may originate from protected sources such as police contacts with informants, criminal investigations, files, and the government's computer databases.
Undergoing a psychological examination will help to ensure that recruits will be able to perform essential functions of the position of deputy sheriff. Psychological screening helps to avoid potential harm to the public and fellow officers. A psychological examination permits the department to screen out any unstable, immature, or overly aggressive candidates, which will help to avoid poor publicity and court litigation from reckless or irresponsible officer behavior.
The purpose of this Act is to provide for pre-employment psychological screening of deputy sheriff candidates in order to hire appropriate individuals to be entrusted with the responsibilities of law enforcement officers. A sophisticated pre-employment psychological evaluation which utilizes multi-faceted test batteries, in-depth interview information, and thorough background information will assist the department of public safety in selecting the best deputy sheriffs and screening out inappropriate individuals.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the psychological testing of deputy sheriff recruits.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Department of Public Safety; Deputy Sheriffs; Recruits; Psychological Examination; Appropriation
Description:
Makes an appropriation for the department of public safety to perform psychological examinations for deputy sheriff recruits.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
