This isn't just a job—it's a calling. You'll enjoy a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that each day brings the chance to make a positive difference.
While the work can be dynamic and fast-paced, the bonds you form with your team and community will make it all worthwhile. If you're ready to embrace a career of purpose, leadership, and service, we're ready to welcome you to our family. Let's build a safer, stronger community together. Start your journey today. Apply now and make a difference.
Employment
We will be giving a hiring test at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on Saturday, January 11th 2025 at 9am. Please feel free to encourage any and all persons who you believe would make a good CPD officer to apply and take the tests.
One might ask why anybody would be interested in a profession that demands so much. The rewards far outweigh the demands. Saving lives, recovering property, finding lost children, and building relationships are just a few of the rewards of being a police officer. Of course there are monetary benefits such as healthcare coverage, vacation days, sick leave, and a retirement plan, but the real benefit of being a police officer comes from the satisfaction of fulfilling your internal drive to serve others. Most people do not have it within themselves to serve and sacrifice for total strangers. Those who do gravitate toward the military and/or the emergency services professions.
If you are interested in becoming a Charleston Police Officer give us a call. We will provide you information about our hiring procedures and testing requirements.
Contact our Training Office at 304-348-1091
You can fill out our online application if you wish to be considered for our next hiring phase. Thank you for your interest in the Charleston Police Department.
Online Application
Requirements:
Education: A High School Diploma or equivalent.
All applicants who are employed must complete a Basic Police Officer Academy Class (Salary is received during training.). Normally the class is held at the West Virginia State Police Academy, Institute, WV. It is approximately 15 weeks in length. After completing the academy training the officer attends Orientation Training and is placed in the Field Training Program.
Age Requirements: Applicants must be 18 to 40 years of age.
Hiring Process
Written Exam: The Charleston Police Department Civil Service Commission conducts a written examination. The Written Examination will be given first in the employment process with each applicant required to pass a minimum standard on this examination prior to going to the next step and performing the Physical Ability Test. The written exam evaluates such factors as aptitude, job knowledge and other related factors to determine the relative fitness for the position. Applicants are placed on a Civil Service List ranked in the order of the test scores and credit for military service. The Written Examination will consist of the following topics:
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Spelling
- Language
- Number Operations
- Problem Solving
Physical Ability Test: The Charleston Police Department Civil Service Commission conducts a physical ability examination for applicants. The ability test consists of total push ups within one minute; total bent-leg sit-ups within one minute; and a 1.5 mile run.
Push-Ups/1 minute
The Charleston Police Department Civil Service Commission requires applicants to be able to do at least 18 push-ups within 1 minute
Sit-Ups/1 minute
The Charleston Police Department Civil Service Commission requires applicants to be able to do at least 28 sit-ups within 1 minute
1.5 Mile Run
The Charleston Police Department Civil Service Commission requires applicants to be able to run 1.5 miles in at least 14 minutes and 36 seconds.
Additional Testing: After applicant has been placed on the Civil Service List they are subject to the following: Background Investigation with oral interview and fingerprint check; Driver Record check; Criminal history check; Employment history; Neighborhood check; Polygraph exam; Psychological screening; Physical and Medical exam.
Thank you for your interest in the Charleston Police Department.