Hiring Process

Be One of the Finest - a Parkersburg Police Officer

Benefits include:

• Hospitalization
• Paid Vacation
• 20 Year Retirement
• College Incentive Program Pending
• Uniform Allowance
• Civil Service Protection
• Take Home Cruiser

The Parkersburg Police Department Civil Service Commission conducts a written examination for applicants. The 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 score and credit for military service and academy completion. Hiring announcements will be publicized, and anyone having an application on file will be notified by mail of the testing date.

Testing

A physical agility test will be administered soon after the written exam. The agility test consists of:

• 27 push ups within one minute
• 29 sit-ups within one minute
• Complete 1.5 mile run within 14 minutes, 52 seconds
• A sit and reach of 16 1/2 inches

Only those applicants successfully completing this physical agility test will be considered.

After an applicant has been placed on the Civil Service list and successfully completed the physical agility test, they are subject to the following:

• background investigation, which includes fingerprinting
• driver record check
• criminal history check
• employment history
• neighborhood check
• polygraph examination
• psychological screening
• medical exams, which include a hearing and vision screening.

A review of the applicant's file by the Civil Service Commissioners determines the applicant's certification for employment. All applicants (unless having already completed the Basic Academy Training) hired must complete a Basic Police Officer Academy Class, which lasts approximately 15 weeks. Upon completion of the academy class, the officer completes an orientation training with the department, and then will be placed in the Field Training Program.

Particulars

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum age 18; maximum age 35
• Good physical condition
• Weight in proportion to build
• Able to pass a physical agility test
• Vision corrected to 20/20 from no more than 20/40
• Hearing in normal range

SALARY RANGE

• $26,042 yearly for beginning patrolman ($12.52 hr.)
• $29,390 for sergeant ($14.13 hr.)
• $32,260 for lieutenant ($15.51 hr.)
• $36,462 for captain ($17.53 hr.)
• $.20 longevity each year on anniversary date
• College credit pending
• $800 per year clothing allowance

INSURANCE

Paid health insurance depending on provider selected.

PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES

Promotions are based on availability of rank openings and are determined by testing.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

Duty weapon and leather gear.