THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	196
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

urging the department of public safety to implement a fitness training regimen for state sheriffs and adult correctionS officers, MANDATE all sheriffs and adult correctionS officers to regularly perform in accordance with minimum fitness standards during service in public field duty, AND ANNUALLY TEST STATE SHERIFFS AND ADULT CORRECTIONS OFFICERS.

     WHEREAS, the Sheriff Division of the Department of Public Safety strives to preserve the peace statewide by protecting all state facilities, as well as all persons and property within premises under the control of the Judiciary; providing process services and executing court documents; handling detained persons and providing secure transportation for persons in custody; and sustaining law enforcement services at the Honolulu International Airport; and

     WHEREAS, Adult Corrections Officers operate under the Corrections Division of the Department of Public Safety to ensure safe, secure, and humane environments for those persons who have been legally incarcerated in jails and prisons throughout the State; and

     WHEREAS, maintaining a healthy and fit workforce in any industry guards against the financial burdens resulting from long term healthcare costs for the state government and individuals alike; and

     WHEREAS, the health and fitness of State Sheriffs and Adult Corrections Officers are especially imperative for public well-being because these professionals shoulder the responsibilities of physically managing inmates with violent histories whose disruptive behavior, if inadequately restrained, could pose risks to themselves, staff, other inmates, and institutional order, and whose escapes could compromise the safety of Hawaii's general population; and

     WHEREAS, benchmark requirements of physical fitness are currently demanded of successful applicants to the Adult Corrections Officer position in Hawaii, which include minimum scores, according to age group, in the performance of a push-up trial, sit-up trial, and 1.5-mile run/walk; and

     WHEREAS, State Sheriff applicants must pass a physical agility test before being considered for employment and must undergo a rigorous physical training regiment as part of their education and processing; and

     WHEREAS, no continuing physical training or fitness requirements are required of State Sheriffs or Adult Corrections Officers after they are hired and employed; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Public Safety is encouraged to implement a fitness training regimen for State Sheriffs and Adult Corrections Officers and mandate all State Sheriffs and Adult Corrections Officers to regularly perform in accordance with minimum fitness standards; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Public Safety is urged to encourage physical fitness training amongst staff and annually test State Sheriffs and Adult Corrections Officers in strength, mobility, and endurance to indicate their abilities to effectively carry out their responsibilities and duties within the Department; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Public Safety, Hawaii Government Employees Association, and United Public Workers.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Fitness Training Regimen; Fitness Standards; State Sheriffs; Correctional Officers