The recent spate of recruitment ads for the Kaua'i Police Department brought up the temptation for a few wisecracks about paid vacations to Maui to not attend training and wild parties in the cell block with strippers and Polaroids.

But every organization has its inglorious incidents, and when an effort is made to do better, that should be noted. The department has a new chief, and a new leader signals a new era.

The KPD recruitment Web site includes this stunningly honest description of the job of police officer:

"Special Working Conditions: irregular hours, shift and weekend work and exposure to hazardous and obnoxious conditions as required."

If only other jobs that expose employees to obnoxious conditions were as straightforward about it!

The job pays $43,000 a year. Applicants have to be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and a current driver's license, be legally eligible to carry a firearm and be in good physical condition.

Plus they should have knowledge of grammar, spelling and word usage. As much as can.

But after those rules, the rest of the recruitment information sounds like a personal ad on Match.com: an earnest, well-written ad looking to weed out the jerks and find Mr. or Ms Right:

"Being a 'good person' is not enough to make a good police officer. KPD needs individuals who display positive behaviors even when exposed to the types of stress that are inherent with police work; such as the long work hours and changing shifts, verbal abuse, combative or unruly individuals, and handling of traumatic incidents."

The list of attributes, from a U.S. Department of Justice publication, includes:

Social competence: "This involves communicating with others in a tactful and respectful manner, and showing sensitivity and concern in one's daily interactions."

Emotional regulation and stress tolerance: "It involves taking the negative aspects of the job in stride, maintaining an even temperament, as well as accepting criticism."

Decision-making and judgment: "This involves common sense, and the ability to make sound decisions. "

Assertiveness/Persuasiveness: "This involves taking control of situations without hesitation, in a calm and appropriately assertive manner, even under dangerous or adverse conditions."

There's no mention of the ability to rope errant pigs in Keapana Valley or to stand in the dumping rain to direct traffic in Hanalei during a winter storm, but those are probably skills to be learned on the job.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.