When you join the Morgantown Police Department, you’re making an investment in your future and taking the first steps toward a rewarding career. We make a difference in our community every time we put on the uniform.
Our officers are highly trained and respected throughout law enforcement. We place importance on training to ensure our officers are equipped to handle whatever they encounter. Our annual training includes de-escalation and implicit bias.
We respect all people and emphasize community policing and developing relationships with community members to make Morgantown a safe environment for everyone.
Hiring Process
We are continually looking for qualified candidates to join our team. Are you ready to take the next step in your career?
Please ensure that you have reviewed and meet the basic requirements for application.
AGE: Must be 18 years of age or older at time of application.
CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States.
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED.
RESIDENCY: Must establish and maintain a permanent physical residence within a one-hour driving time of the Morgantown Police Department, 300 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV, for the entire period of active employment. This must be achieved within 90 days of notification of permanent status.
FEE: $25.00 examination fee
The hiring process to become a Morgantown Police Officer begins with submitting an application. Applications may be filled out online, printed out, and mailed or picked up at the Morgantown City Clerk's office located on the third floor in Morgantown City Hall at 389 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV, 26505. An examination fee of $25 is due at the time of application, which can be paid online here. Applicants will be contacted by our recruitment officer to keep them engaged and help them prepare for the hiring process.
Applicants must complete the Police Civil Service Exam and physical agility test, which is held twice a year, typically in the Spring and Fall. Opportunities to complete the test in 2026 have been scheduled for the following Saturdays: April 25, July 25, and October 24. All exams will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Morgantown Public Safety Building. ALL employees of the Police Department go through an extensive background investigation, polygraph examination and a psychological evaluation before they are hired.
After candidates are hired, they are sent to the Police Academy for four months where they will learn the basics of being a police officer.
Following the police academy, new officers are put into a field training program with regimented training and daily evaluation from experienced officers.
Following the training period, the officer is then placed on probation for one year and must complete all in-service training as mandated by the State Training and Standards Commission and the Morgantown Police Department. Our department standard is much more stringent than required by the state, solely because we want well trained officers and we want you to have the tools and knowledge to handle any situation. The process may seem long, but you will come out well prepared to be a successful Morgantown Police Officer.
If you have any questions about the process or what it takes to be a Morgantown Police Officer, contact us at MPDrecruit@morgantownwv.gov.
Requirements:
Age: 18 years old
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen for 3 years
Education: High School diploma or GED
Residency: Within one-hour driving time of the MPD within 90 days of hiring
I became a police officer because I wanted to help people. Leaving the military and becoming a police officer offered me the same structure, chain of command, and brotherhood the military did so it was an easy transition. One of the best th...
