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Earning the Badge...


Benefits and Incentives 

  • $10,000 sign on bonus for those already certified as Law Enforcement Officers in WV
    • (Law Enforcement certification from other states requires a review of training and certification documents to determine eligibility for bonus) 
  • College degree incentive 
  • 2 weeks paid vacation 
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options 
  • Pension plan - State of West Virginia PERS 
  • Paid Sick Leave 
  • Holiday Leave Accrual 
  • Safe Driving Day 
  • $10,000 Life Insurance Policy provided by employer  
  • Variety of volunteer overtime opportunities 
  • Fleet Program - Take home cruiser (for Wood County residents only) 
  • Paid training at West Virginia State Police Academy 

 
Requirements 

  • Must be between 18-40 years old as of application date
  • Must be a U.S. citizen 
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license 
  • Must be High School Graduate, GED, or equivalent certificate  

 
Application 


Testing 

  • Written Test (Must pass the Written Test to continue)
    •  Minimum score of 70% required to pass
    • 5 bonus points awarded to Veterans in accordance with West Virginia Code 6-13-1
    • Score achieved on this test will determine order of hiring when all screening is complete
  • Physical Agility Test (Must pass the Physical Agility Test to continue)
    • 1.5 mile run in maximum 14:36
    • 18 push-ups in one minute
    • 28 sit ups in one minute
Screening

  • Personal History Statement click here to download .pdf 
    • Driving record, employment, residence, and criminal histories
    • Personal References
    • High School and College Transcripts (if applicable)
  • Interview with Background Investigator
  • Background Investigation
  • Polygraph Examination
  • Psychological Examination
  • Civil Service Commission Review of Applicant Eligibility  


Training

  • In-house training by qualified instructors 
  • Law Enforcement Certification at West Virginia State Police Academy*
    • Training conducted at the WV State Police Academy
    • Training program is para-military style training
    • Trainees are housed on the Academy campus with the opportunity to go home on weekends*
  • 12 weeks Field Training 
  • Continuing Education Training as required by WV LEPSIS 
 * Length of Academy classes and opportunities to go home on weekends is determined by WV State Police Administration and may be subject to  change