Aspiring police officers wanted at Hinesville Police Department

A job that is ever-changing and rewarding, that’s how Jeffrey Hauings, Training and Recruitment Officer for the Hinesville Police Department, describes his job. Now, Hauings and the department are looking for a new batch of officers to join their team.

The City of Hinesville and the Hinesville Police Department have joined forces to host a job fair May 27, from 5-8 p.m. at the Hinesville Police Department, located at 123 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Attendees will have the chance to talk with people from varying departments in the agency to ask any questions they may have.

Huaings said there will be a presentation of what interested applicants can expect during the hiring process. Then, they will be shuttled to the physical training field to observe a physical agility test, which they would be required to pass prior to entry into the police academy.

He recommends those interested in running the agility course that day to pack sneakers and lace up. A waiver will also be required from all participants.

“They have to be 20 years old; they have to be a U.S. citizen; they have to have a Georgia license, a high school diploma or equivalent and if you were in the military you have to have good conduct with a DD-214,” Hauings said.

Those not currently living in Georgia can still apply. If an offer letter is sent, the individual will be given a certain amount of time to move to the Peach State and obtain a Georgia license.

On top of qualifications, some characteristics help to determine the perfect candidate to fill the role.

“Somebody that’s physically fit, that has common sense. I mean, intelligence, but you also have to have common sense to be able to factor in your decision making process,” Hauings said. “Also, a good communicator. You need to be able to talk to people and not talk to them in a way that would make them mad, eseclatate situations, you know, in a calming voice. It would be great to have some life experience.”

Hauings spent 20 years in the Army before becoming a police officer. He said he was personally called to the job because of a “helping-gene” that runs throughout his family.

“I love the feeling of actually helping,” he said. “It sounds cheesy and all that, but it is really nice to know you actually helped somebody change their life to the better. That’s why I really enjoy it and it’s something different everyday. That’s the big factor for me, as well,” he said.

Engaging with the community is key for this department. They want others to know the officers are approachable and ready to answer questions they have. More importantly, they want a diverse group of officers to represent their department and the community.

“We don’t want to be just one set of people,” Hauings said. “We have a lot of military because we are outside a military post so it really helps out. We want to reflect what our neighborhood is, our police department is.”

Hauings assured that everybody watches out for everybody at the Hinesville Police Department. Although the everyday focus may differ between departments, they all have one thing in common, the passion for lending others a helping hand.

“It’s kind of a calling, you have to want to help,” he said. “It’s not just a job that you punch your time in, you get your check at the end of the week - you have to want to be an officer. So,when they get here, they find the rewards just like me.”

Face masks and temperature screenings will be required to attend the job fair.

“Even if you don’t want to be a police officer, just come and ask questions and you can find out more information as well,” Hauings said.

Those looking to apply onsite at the job fair make sure they bring along a valid driver’s license or State ID card, in addition to their resume. Others can apply online until June 9. To apply, visit ga-hinesville.civicplushrms.com/careers.