MPD Is Currently Hiring

Sworn Police Officer
Full Time Position

Apply Online now.

*Note, all communication regarding upcoming testing will be through BreezyHR. Please be sure to check your spam folder. 

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.

Benefits

• The starting salary for a Probationary Patrolman is $55,710 increased to $58,496 after certification.
• Vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave and opportunities for compensatory time/overtime.
• 12 Hour shifts with every other weekend off.
• Minimum of thirteen paid holidays per year.
• Robust health/dental/vision insurance plan for you and your family.
• 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. Continued after 20 years, max 75%.
• Paid equipment and uniforms.
• Two-hour minimum overtime for off-duty court appearances.
• Take-home patrol vehicles (up to 30 Air Miles)
• Residency 50 Air Miles
• Tuition reimbursement
• Advancement opportunity (we have the ranks of Patrol, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain), as well as special assignments and duties. 
• Applicants with a current West Virginia Law Enforcement Certification will receive a sign-on bonus if hired, in addition to a salary adjustment commensurate with experience. 
• Applicants with current law enforcement certification from another state/jurisdiction will receive a sign-on bonus if hired, in addition to a salary adjustment commensurate with experience.

The City of Martinsburg 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 apply today.

Police Application Deadline

Application Deadline:      November 7th, 2025 at 4 PM

MPD Written & Physical Agility Test-     November 8th, 2025 at 9 AM

Martinsburg Police Department, 125 W. Race Street, Martinsburg WV. 25401

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 four rotating 12-hour shifts, with every other weekend off. Every 4 months, you will rotate to a new shift schedule (day 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

• 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.

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. 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.

• Apply online.
• 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.
• Submit to and pass a polygraph examination.
• Undergo a complete medical examination testing your general physical condition.

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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

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.

Civilian Positions

Civilian 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.