Probationary Police Officer

Police Civil Service Commission

Competitive Examination and Certified List of Eligibility to Probationary Police Officer in the Martinsburg Police Department

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the West Virginia Code 8-14-13, that position(s) for the rank of Probationary Police Officer exist in the Martinsburg Police Department and will be filled by appointment by the City Manager from a list of eligibles certified by the Martinsburg Police Civil Service Commission.

In order to be placed on the list of eligibles, an interested party must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application and be a US Citizen or have a legal right to work in the United States and the legal right to carry a firearm.

• Secure, from the City Recorder's office or online at an application for employment for the position of probationary Police Officer. The correct application MUST be completed, verified and returned to the City Recorder.

• On the date of exam, successful applicants will achieve a passing score on both a written and physical agility screening test for WV state and local law enforcement officers.

• Undergo a complete medical examination testing the applicant's general physical condition in a manner prescribed by the Commission.

• Undergo a complete psychiatric examination testing the applicant's mental stability for appointment in a manner prescribed by the Commission.

• Submit to and cooperate with authorities in a background investigation, to include polygraph, as to the applicant's suitability for the position.

• Appear for scheduled oral interviews.

• Submit to any additional examinations as to the applicant's suitability for the position in a manner prescribed by the Commission.

Probationary Police Officer is paygrade 103, beginning at $55,710. Employees of the City of Martinsburg are provided a range of fringe benefits including vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, health/life/dental and vision insurance, longevity pay, police pension and modified take home vehicle policy.

Applicants with a current WV Law Enforcement Certification will receive a $10,000.00 sign on bonus, if hired, in addition to a starting salary of $58,496-$67,837 depending on years of service (paygrade 104).

West Virginia residency is NOT required, however, officers must live within 50 air miles of the Town Square within 90 days of employment.

Anyone not meeting the above requirements, as set by the Commission, will NOT be placed on the list of eligibles. The City of Martinsburg is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Martinsburg Police Civil Service Commission.

The next testing date for eligible candidates is May 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM (EST). Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM (EST), May 29, 2026, to be eligible for testing.

Applicants may also view/download a copy of the “Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT), ( Candidate Orientation Guide ( ( The PACT Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and is provided free of charge for all interested applicants.

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) 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 fifty (50) mile radius of the Berkeley County Court House, located at the intersection of Queen and King Streets in Martinsburg.