The total parole caseload in Hawaii in fiscal year 2011-2012 was 1,632. During the same period, there were 2,204 parole consideration hearings, 1,749 people considered for parole, 736 paroles granted, and 1,367 paroles denied. There were also 694 parolees released during in 2011-2012, 259 paroles revoked, and 33 continued or deferred.
Out of the 1,632 active cases in Hawaii in FY2011-2012, 195 were in Hawaii County, compared to 182 in Maui County and 44 in Kauai County. The Interstate Compact handled 129 cases during the same time.
Parole supervision in Hawaii County is provided by the Hilo Parole Office in Hilo and the Kona Office in Kealakekua, both of which are part of the Hawaii Paroling Authority, an administratively attached agency of the Department of Public Safety.
Hawaii County, Hawaii Parole Officer Jobs:
How to Become a Parole Officer in Hawaii County, Hawaii through Training
Individuals interested in pursuing parole officer jobs in Hawaii County must possess a bachelor’s degree and complete pre-service training through Training and Staff Development (TSD), which is responsible for all components of the Departmental Training and Staff Development Program. TSD is responsible for formulating all plans and strategies for Department programs, training plans, curriculum, schedules, and training programs.
Careers in Hawaii’s Specialized Parole Units
There are two specialized units within Hawaii’s Paroling Authority, both of which may serve as unique career opportunities for parole officers in Hawaii:
Intensive Supervision Unit: There are two parole officers within the Intensive Supervision Unit (ISP) who work as a team to ensure parolees meet the special conditions of parole while under the ISP. Parolees within the ISP meet with their parole officers at least twice a week and may have more curfew checks or earlier curfew hours. In general, the parole officers of the ISP unit work with parolees for six months. After six months, parole officers in the ISP may transition the parolees to regular supervision within the Community Supervision Unit.
Mental Health Unit: The Mental Health Unit consists of two parole officers and a psychiatric social worker, all of whom work with the mental health staff to ensure more rigid office and field visits. All parolees within the Mental Health Unit must comply with mental health treatment, which often includes taking all prescribed medications. The parole officer, the psychiatric social worker, and the doctor work together to discuss the concerns and the progress of the parolee. Further, parolees in the Mental Health Unit may be involved in a program called Fresh Start, which is residential treatment program that provides 24-hour supervision, as well as an aftercare program.