careers

Martinsburg Police Department
Employment Opportunities

MPD

MPD IS CURRENTLY HIRING

MPD is looking for men and women of integrity who have strong interpersonal and communication skills, problem solving abilities, a willingness to confront problems, the ability to make important decisions under pressure, and a desire to make a positive difference in our community. If that sounds like you, we invite you to join us in our mission to make Martinsburg a better, safer place to live.

The first steps toward a challenging career as a Police Officer with the Martinsburg Police Department are to complete an application and take the written and physical agility tests. Applications are accepted at any time. Applicants who have turned in an application to City Hall will be notified once the next test date is scheduled.

Police Application Deadline

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 @ 5pm
(applications must be turned in at Martinsburg City Hall)

MPD Written & Physical Agility Test

November 7, 2020
(Applicants will be notified of testing time and location once an application has been turned in.)


BECOMING AN OFFICER

The Martinsburg Police Department is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations designed to protect the life and property of the citizens of our city and to improve their quality of life.

As a probationary police officer, you will participate in an extensive training program. The program consists of field training while under the direct supervision of a field training officer as well as the successful completion of 16 weeks training at the West Virginia State Police Academy in Charleston, WV.

The responsibilities of a Martinsburg police officer include patrolling designated areas to preserve peace and prevent the commission of crimes, enforcing motor vehicle laws and parking regulations, conducting criminal investigations, effecting arrests, testifying in court, and interacting with members of the community to promote safety and well-being in our city. The professional conscientious performance of duties is carried out with limited supervision. The work of a police officer involves considerable risk and requires use of sound, independent judgment.

Currently, officers are assigned to one of three rotating shifts working eight hours per day, five days a week. Each month you will rotate to a new shift schedule (day shift, evening shift, and night shift).

Police work is far from being an easy job, but if you thrive on challenges, variety, and serving your community, being a police officer can be one of the most rewarding jobs out there.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Be not less than eighteen (18) nor more than forty (40) years of age at date of application.
  • Hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
  • Be required to have been honorably discharged in the event of past previous military service.
  • Submit documentary proof of birth and education. DD 214 is required if the applicant has previous military service.
  • Any police officer employed by the City of Martinsburg must establish and maintain his/her permanent physical residence within a twenty-five (25) mile radius of the Berkeley County Court House, located at the intersection of Queen and King Streets in Martinsburg.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Martinsburg Police Department accepts applications at the Martinsburg City Recorder’s office on a continuous basis. Once an application is turned in, you will be notified when a new test is scheduled. This could take up to a year or more, depending on job availability. Once you have tested with the department, applications are reviewed in order of your written test score (highest score reviewed first). Once you have passed the written and physical tests, your application will be held for consideration as jobs become available for up to two years.

  • Obtain an application from the office of the City Recorder, or download one.
  • File your application with the City Recorder’s office.
  • Upon notification, appear to complete a competitive written examination and physical fitness test.
  • Submit to and cooperate with authorities in a background investigation as to your suitability for employment.
  • Appear for an interview with the Civil Service Commission.
  • Undergo a psychiatric evaluation testing your mental stability for appointment.
  • Undergo a complete medical examination testing your general physical condition.

TESTING

The Martinsburg Police Department holds periodic written and fitness tests within the city of Martinsburg. The tests are held on the same day with the fitness testing held directly after the written test.

Certification from a physician will be required prior to taking the physical agility test. To pass the agility test, applicants must complete 18 Push-ups in (1) one minute or less, 28 bent leg sit-ups in (1) minute or less, and a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes and 36 seconds or less.

Applicants who receive an offer of employment will be required to again complete these fitness requirements prior to being admitted into the West Virginia State Police Academy.

THE ACADEMY

graduation

The Basic Police Officer Training Program at the West Virginia State Police Academy is a 16-week residential program at the academy campus in Charleston, WV. The academy operates under a para-military stress inoculation philosophy, similar to military boot camp. Basic Class members must report to the academy every Sunday evening during the 16 weeks and are released to go home for the weekend every Friday night. Training at the police academy covers a wide variety of job-related courses including law, investigations, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and physical training.

The Basic Police Officer Training Program is an extremely difficult program. It's not for everyone, but those who complete the program share a sense of pride and a bond for life. The program is difficult because if prepares you for a difficult job. If you're up for the challenge, the West Virginia State Police Academy will equip you with extremely valuable skills for a rewarding career in law enforcement. You'll always remember and be proud of completing this training.

BENEFITS

  • The starting salary for a Probationary Patrolman is approximately $45,472.
  • Vacation leave, sick leave, and personal leave.
  • Longevity pay, periodic cost of living adjustments as necessary, and merit pay increases.
  • Retired officers can receive a pension beginning at 60% of their salary once they have completed 20 years of service and are at least 50 years old.
  • Paid equipment and uniforms.
  • One-hour minimum overtime for off duty court appearances.
  • Take-home patrol vehicles.
  • Applicants with a current West Virginia Law Enforcement Certification will receive a $3,000 sign-on bonus if hired.

The City of Martinsburg is is an excellent place to begin your career as a police officer. We’re a busy department, answering over 30,000 calls each year, but we’re also very purposeful about connecting with our citizens and working together on solutions to better our community. If you think that a law enforcement career with the Martinsburg Police Department is for you, we encourage you to download an application or contact us if you have any further questions.

  • Civillian Staff

  • Full & Part Time Positions

There are currently no civilian staff positions posted within the police department. Check back or contact the City of Martinsburg for more information.

POLICE DISPATCHER

Police dispatchers are an integral part of our department operations. The Martinsburg Police Department currently employs seven dispatchers who are scheduled to provide 24/7 coverage. Dispatch is a high-stress job and requires individuals to multi-task, function well under pressure, and have excellent communication skills. Police dispatchers help keep officers safe on the road by quickly gathering important information from callers and relaying it to our patrol division.

MUNICIPAL COURT STAFF

The City of Martinsburg maintains its own municipal court on the first floor of Martinsburg City Hall. The court employs one judge, several magistrates, and several court clerks. The municipal court hears cases for both traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases.