Introduction

This brochure outlines information to assist individuals in applying for the position of West Virginia State Trooper. 

An employment application may be obtained by contacting any local state police detachment or by calling the Personnel Section at (304) 746-2117.

Thank you for your interest in the West Virginia State Police.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

It is the policy of the West Virginia State Police to be fair and equitable in all its relations with its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, marital status or disability.

The West Virginia State Police assures full compliance with all federal, state and local laws relating to Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and non-discrimination.

The West Virginia State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Information

The West Virginia State Police is a very proud and professional organization.  Active personnel continually recruit applicants for the position of trooper.  An applicant must be of sound constitution and have good moral character and integrity. 

The West Virginia State Police was formed in 1919 and is the nation's fourth oldest state police organization.  Over the years it has progressed to become one of the most respected police organizations in the nation.

The West Virginia State Police is comprised of non-uniformed and uniformed members.  Non-uniformed members play a vital role in the operation of the organization.  Non-uniformed support personnel include office assistants, fingerprint technicians, mechanics, and police telecommunicators to name a few.

Applicants seeking admission to the West Virginia State Police Academy as a Cadet Trooper, uniformed member, must undergo competitive examinations as outlined in this booklet.  Testing for the position of trooper begins as vacancies occur within the organization either through attrition or by the allocation and funding of additional positions as granted by the West Virginia Legislature.

Once funding exists, the Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police determines a target date for enlistment of a cadet class.  A tentative testing schedule is prepared by the West Virginia State Police Personnel Section and the process begins by notifying active applicants of a specific test date.  Newspaper advertisements are then generated and published.  Additional media advertisements may also occur.  A cut-off date for accepting applications is always determined for scheduling purposes.

West Virginia State law requires the Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police to establish a Cadet Selection Board.  The Cadet Selection Board consists of five members representing commissioned and non-commissioned officers of the organization.  The Board is active throughout the testing cycle.

Once an application (WVSP-1 APPLICATION FOR STATE TROOPER) is received in the Personnel Section it proceeds through a review process.  If an application is incomplete or indicates an applicant does not meet the basic criteria, the application is placed in an inactive file. 

Applications that are properly filled out are entered into a computer data base and become active.  Active applicants are notified by mail of their status. 

Applications are retained for one year after the application is filed or after taking action on the application, whichever is later.

Basic Criteria & Qualifications

West Virginia State law requires an applicant to be at least 21 years of age prior to enlistment.  Applicants who are 20 years of age at the onset of testing are permitted to test provided he/she will be 21 years of age by the target date of enlistment.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license for a minimum of two years prior to the date of application.

No prior police training will be substituted for Cadet training.

Applicants must not have any domestic violence convictions.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

The Superintendent and/or Cadet Selection Board shall reject an applicant for the following or other conditions or circumstances:

the applicant is found to lack any of the preliminary requirements established for consideration for the position by statute or otherwise,

          the applicant has been convicted of a felony crime,

the applicant has made a false statement of material fact or has misrepresented his or her qualifications in the application or subsequent background investigation,

the applicant has been previously dismissed from any public service for delinquency, misconduct, or other similar cause,

the applicant has used or attempted to use political pressure or bribery to secure an advantage in the selection process or appointment,

the applicant has directly or indirectly obtained information regarding the selection process to which, as an applicant, he or she was not entitled,

the applicant has failed to submit the application correctly or within the prescribed time limits,

the applicant has taken part in the compilation administration, or correction of any examination used in the selection process,

at least three former employers state that they would not re-employ the applicant or otherwise indicate that the applicant’s services as an employee were unsatisfactory, or that the applicant is lacking in character, 

          the applicant is not eligible to work in the United States,

the applicant has not possessed a valid driver's license for two years prior to making application, the applicant has any convictions for a serious traffic offense (e.g. driving while intoxicated, negligent homicide, etc.),

          the applicant has any domestic violence convictions,

OR the West Virginia State Police detects or discerns any condition or circumstance involving the applicant that may grossly impair the applicant’s ability to perform the duties attendant to the position of state police officer at any stage of the process.

The Superintendent and/or Cadet Selection Board may reject an applicant for the following or other conditions or circumstances:

the applicant has been rejected during any phase of a previous selection process and the condition or circumstance causing the rejection still exists,

the applicant has any convictions for misdemeanor crimes involving persons or property,

the applicant has any type or method of body art that would be normally observable while wearing any West Virginia State Police uniform.

Job Description for State Police Officer

It is a trooper's responsibility to perform basic police services in accordance with the mission, goals and objectives of the West Virginia State Police and in compliance with governing federal and state laws. 

As outlined in Section 15-2-12 of the West Virginia Code, the West Virginia State Police shall have the mission of statewide enforcement of criminal and traffic laws with emphasis on providing basic enforcement and citizen protection from criminal depredation throughout the state and maintaining the safety of the state's public streets, roads and highways.

The essential functions and tasks required for the position of state police trooper include, but are not limited to, qualification and use of firearms, providing emergency assistance, conducting investigations, report writing, and presenting

testimony in a court of law.  A complete list of essential functions and tasks is available from the Personnel Section upon request.

Application & Testing Process

As soon as test dates are determined active applicants are notified by mail and invited to begin the testing cycle.  Applicants must successfully complete each phase of testing in order to continue in the process for employment consideration.  An outline of the testing procedures is provided over the next few pages.

The Cadet Selection Board reviews the results upon conclusion of each testing phase.  Each applicant is notified of their status at the instruction of the Cadet Selection Board.

PHASE I - WRITTEN & PHYSICAL ABILITY EXAMINATION

Entry level testing for trooper is usually held at the West Virginia State Police Academy in Institute, West Virginia.  Phase I of testing consists of a physical ability examination and subsequent written examination. 

The initial written examination consists of a comphrensive reading test.

Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment physical agility examination. 

The following tests have been validated and demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks necessary to carry out the essential functions of the position of state police officer. 

The minimum passing scores for employment are as indicated:

SIT-UPS                         Designed to measure abdominal muscular endurance. The score is the number of bent knee sit-ups performed in one minute.  The minimum standard for this test is 29 sit-ups.

SIT & REACH                 A test designed to measure flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings, the test involves stretching out to touch the toes and beyond  with extended arms from the sitting position. The score is measured in inches reached on a yardstick with the 15" mark being at the toes.  The minimum standard for this test is a reach of 16.5".

PUSH-UPS                     Designed to measure upper body muscular endurance and absolute strength.  The score is the number of push-ups performed in one minute.  The minimum standard for this test is 27.

1.5 MILE RUN                Designed to measure cardiovascular capacity. The score is in minutes and seconds.  The minimum standard for this test is completion of the run in 14 minutes and 52 seconds. 

The tests described are graded as pass or fail; acceptance is based upon successfully passing all four measures.

PHASE II - ORAL REVIEW

Applicants are selected by the Cadet Selection Board, based on their Phase I results, to appear before a board of officers for an oral review.  Applicants are asked a uniform set of questions and are rated on various dimensions including but not limited to decisiveness, maturity, and other job related interview characteristics. 

Scores from Phase I and II of the process are weighted by the Cadet Selection Board.  The top applicants are selected for background investigation.  The Cadet Selection Board determines the number of applicants selected for background investigation based on the number of current cadet-trooper vacancies, position availability, funding, and other factors.

PHASE III - BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Applicants continuing in the process for state police officer are required to participate in a pre-employment suitability examination and on-line personal history questionnaire. The suitabilty testing consists of reading, writing and mathematical skill abilities as well as the completion of personal and life history information. There is no study guide available to aid in preparation for this examination.

Upon receipt of the results, the Cadet Selection Board will determine those applicants who will continue in the process to undergo an extensive background investigation conducted by a uniformed member of the West Virginia State Police, where possible.  Investigations include, but are not limited to, verification of residency, employment, military service, and education, application verification, research into possible criminal activity such as theft and drug usage, credit and driving history.  Applicants also undergo a polygraph examination during this portion of the testing process and may be required to appear before the Cadet Selection Board before advancing to Phase IV. 

Preference of Applicants

Upon completion of the background investigation process, the Cadet Selection Board reviews each investigation.  At this point, as outlined in 15-2-7 (c) of the West Virginia State Code, preference in making appointments shall be given whenever possible to honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States and to residents of West Virginia. 

PHASE IV - PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Psychological assessment takes place at the West Virginia State Police Academy and consists of an interview with a psychologist.  The psychological assessment incorporates certain written examinations completed by the applicant in Phase III.

PHASE V - MEDICAL PHYSICAL

A medical physical is conducted by the physician currently on contract with the West Virginia State Police.  This physical is held at the State Police Academy and includes, but is not limited to, laboratory tests such as blood work, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, medical history, and physician's examination.  The medical selection standards established are designed to satisfy the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensure that the standards do not unfairly exclude people from employment as law enforcement officers who are otherwise qualified.  Each medical standard listed, has been related to the essential tasks and are therefore validated as legitimate standards. 

The medical screening guidelines are all potentially excludable conditions unless otherwise noted.  Potentially excludable conditions are defined as any condition specified in the medical screening guidelines which may render a candidate incapable of satisfactorily completing the training necessary to perform the essential tasks which comprise the job of law enforcement officer.

Medical Guidelines

EYES AND VISION

VISUAL ACUITY – An applicant’s uncorrected distant vision may be equal to but not worse than 20/100 in the weaker eye, and, shall be correctable to better than, or equal to 20/30 (Snellen) in each eye.

Means of correction must be worn on the job and must not interfere with proper fitting of a facial mask, e.g. gas mask, riot helmet, or air, or blood borne pathogen masks, etc.

Far visual acuity shall be at least 20/30 binocular with contact lenses or spectacles.  Successful long-term soft contact lens wearers (six months without a problem) are not subject to the uncorrected standard. 

Sufficient time must have passed (six months) to allow stabilization of visual acuity and to ensure that there are no post-surgical complications for applicants who have undergone ophthalmological procedures such as radial keratotomy or repair of retinal detachment. 

VISUAL ACUITY - COLOR VISION - Candidate must pass a "controlled color discrimination test", e.g. USDOT color vision examination.

VISUAL ACUITY - DEPTH PERCEPTION - Depth perception should be sufficient to demonstrate normal stereo depth perception with or without correction to the standard:  80 ARC seconds.

EARS AND HEARING

HEARING ACUITY - Hearing is measured by use of an audiometer, the candidate should have no average loss of 25 or more decibels at the 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hertz (Hz) levels in either ear with no single frequency loss in excess of 40.

ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA, OTITIS EXTERNA, AND MASTOIDITIS - If the candidate meets Hearing Acuity guidelines and the condition is resolved, then the condition is non-disqualifying.

ANY INNER/MIDDLE/OUTER EAR DISORDER AFFECTING EQUILIBRIUM, E.G. MENIERE'S DISEASE - If the candidate has historically had episodes of vertigo, he or she may require further evaluation.

NOSE, THROAT AND MOUTH

LOSS OF SENSE OF SMELL

APHONIA, SPEECH LOSS OR SPEECH DEFECTS

ABNORMALITIES OF THE NOSE, THROAT OR MOUTH - If the abnormality does not interfere with the candidate's breathing, or the proper fitting of a gas mask, then the condition is non-excludable.

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR SYSTEM

HYPERTENSION - Resting blood pressure should be less than, or equal to, 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic on three successive readings.  (If the candidate has controlled hypertension not exceeding the above standard and is on medication with side effect profiles which do not interfere with performance of duty as a state police officer, then the condition may not be excludable.)

Candidate must have a functional and therapeutic cardiac classification no greater than 1A, i.e., Functional Capacity I:  Patients with cardiac disease and no limitation of physical activity.  Ordinary physical activity does not cause discomfort.  Patients in this class do not have symptoms of cardiac insufficiency, nor do they experience anginal pain.  Therapeutic classification A:  Patients with cardiac disease whose physical activity need not be restricted.

PERIPHERAL  VASCULAR ABNORMALITY - Any condition which is severe and/or symptomatic may be excludable, e.g. arterial insufficiency, deep or superficial vein thrombophlebitis, Reynaud's Disease.

HEART AND CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE - If the candidate's functional work capacity is unimpaired, then the condition is non-excludable. 

VALVULAR HEART DISEASE - Examples are:  significant valvular insufficiency, significant septal defects (any valve), or prolapsing mitral valve (symptomatic).

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

ECG ABNORMALITIES - If associated with organic heart disease, including, but not limited to WPW Syndrome, ST depression, partial or complete left bundle branch blocks, 3 degree A-V block, Mobitz Type II A-V blocks, sinoatrial block or sick sinus syndrome, ventricular extrasystoles (frequent - 20/minute with exercise, 10/minute without exercise), ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation or flutter, episodic supraventricular tachycardia or consistent supraventricular tachycardia at rest or persistent after exercise even if asymptomatic.

ANGINA

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

CARDIOMYOPATHY

PERICARDITIS, ENDOCARDITIS, AND MYOCARDITIS

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM MUST BE FREE OF CHRONICALLY DISABLING CONDITIONS THAT WOULD INTERFERE WITH THE CANDIDATE'S ABILITY TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL TASKS (list of which is available upon request).

INFECTIOUS OR POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

EMPHYSEMA

RESTRICTIVE LUNG DISEASES

BRONCHIECTASIS AND PNEUMOTHORAX (current or repeated history)

PNEUMONECTOMY

ACUTE MYCOTIC DISEASES - Including, but not limited to, Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis.

ACUTE PLEURISY

MALIGNANT DISEASES - Any condition which may interfere with the candidate's ability to perform the essential tasks of the job must be noted.

GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

COLITIS - Including but not limited to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (symptomatic or needing medication), bacterial colitis.  If the candidate's condition is controlled and is on medication with side effect profiles which do not interfere with performance of duty then the condition may not be excludable.

DIVERTICULITIS

ESOPHAGEAL DISORDERS - Including, but not limited to, esophageal stricture, lower esophageal ring and esophageal spasm.  If the candidate's condition is controlled, then the condition is non-disqualifying.

PANCREATITIS

GALL BLADDER DISORDERS

ACTIVE PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

SYMPTOMATIC INGUINAL, UMBILICAL, VENTRAL, FEMORAL, OR INCISIONAL HERNIAS

MALIGNANT DISEASE OF THE LIVER, GALL BLADDER, PANCREAS, ESOPHAGUS, STOMACH, SMALL OR LARGE BOWEL, RECTUM OR ANUS

GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING

ACTIVE OR CHRONIC HEPATITIS

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

MOTILITY DISORDERS, E.G. SCLERODERMA

If any of the above or other G-I conditions are controlled, then they may be non-excludable.

GENITOURINARY SYSTEM

THE EXAMINING PHYSICIAN IS TO NOTE ANY CONDITIONS WHICH MAY INTERFERE WITH THE CANDIDATE'S ABILITY TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL TASKS OF THE JOB IN QUESTION.

PREGNANCY - Examining physician should record there is a pregnancy.

NEPHRECTOMY - If a candidate possesses this condition with normal natural renal function, then the condition is non-disqualifying.

ACUTE NEPHRITIS

NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

ACUTE RENAL/URINARY CALCULI

RENAL TRANSPLANT

RENAL FAILURE

HYDROCELE AND VARICOCELE (Symptomatic)

MALIGNANT DISEASES OF BLADDER, KIDNEY, URETER, CERVIX, OVARIES, BREASTS, PROSTATE, ETC.

ACTIVE VENEREAL DISEASES

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS

ENDOMETRIOSIS

INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS, e.g. - Prostatitis, Orchitis, Epididymitis

SCLERODERMA

ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC SYSTEMS

UNCONTROLLED THYROID DISEASE

DIABETES MELLITUS - Potential excludability requires a case by case assessment as to the control of diabetes and presence and severity of symptoms and complications.

ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION - Including, but not limited to, Addison's Disease and Cushing's Disease.

INSULIN REACTIONS

UNTREATED THYROID MALIGNANCY

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

THE EXAMINING PHYSICIAN IS TO NOTE ANY CONDITION WHICH MAY INTERFERE WITH THE CANDIDATE'S ABILITY TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL TASKS OF THE JOB IN QUESTION.

DISORDERS THAT LIMIT MOTOR PERFORMANCE

CERVICAL SPINE OR LUMBOSACRAL FUSION

DEGENERATIVE CERVICAL OR LUMBAR DISC DISEASE (if Symptomatic)

EXTREMITY AMPUTATION

OSTEOMYELITIS

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

LOSS IN MOTOR ABILITY FROM TENDON OR NERVE INJURY/SURGERY - In an area relevant to the applicant's performing his essential tasks.

ARTHRITIS - If a candidate possesses this condition with no functional impairment, then the condition is non-excludable.

COORDINATED BALANCE

SYMPTOMATIC HERNIATED DISC

SPINAL DEVIATIONS

HEMATOPOIETIC AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS

HEMATOPOIETIC DISORDERS (Including malignancies), e.g. - SCD, Thalassemia, G6PD, etc.

HEMOPHILIA

NERVOUS SYSTEM

CANDIDATE MUST BE FREE OF ANY DISORDER WHICH MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE OF ESSENTIAL TASKS.

SEIZURE DISORDER (All types)

CEREBRAL PALSY

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, e. g. Parkinson's

CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS

SYNCOPE

PROGRESSIVE NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES - Including, but not limited to, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's Chorea.

PERIPHERAL NERVE DISORDER - Including, but not limited to, Polyneuritis, Mononeuritis and Neurofibromatosis.

NARCOLEPSY

CEREBRAL VASCULAR ACCIDENT

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INFECTIONS

Final Selection

Once a candidate is selected for enlistment, he/she is notified by mail from the Superintendent as to when to report to the State Police Academy for training.  Cadets are required to report with selected articles.  A specific list of these items is provided at the time of notification of enlistment. 

Salary

The entry level salary for a Cadet during training is $2,106.66 per month (effective July 2002).  Upon completion of training and subsequent assignment as a Trooper, the monthly salary is increased to $2,509.66 plus overtime, and you will receive an additional allowance of $130.00.  Beginning the second year of service, the salary will increase to $2,547.66 per month plus overtime and allowance. 

As an employee of the West Virginia State Police, a Cadet is also eligible for employee benefits including insurance coverages. 

Cadet Training

Studies show that a police officer's occupation is one of the most stressful occupations in the world.  Therefore, cadets undergo an inordinate amount of pressure during the first few weeks of training to determine their ability to endure stress related situations. 

The West Virginia State Police is a paramilitary organization and, as such, military courtesy and discipline are practiced.

Upon arrival at the Academy for training, Cadets are informed of rules and regulations governing an officer’s actions during their training and employment. 

Cadets must maintain proper discipline and behavior and meet attendance requirements.

Cadets immediately begin an 18 month probationary period upon reporting to the Academy for enlistment.  The resident training period for a cadet is approximately 28 weeks.  Training may also be conducted at any other State Police facility as the need arises.

Cadets are required to reside at the Academy.  Meals and lodging are provided at no cost.  Training is normally scheduled Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.  Special duty assignments and training are frequently conducted during evening and nighttime hours, both weekdays and weekends.  Cadets scheduled to remain at the Academy on weekends are not permitted visitors on Academy grounds. 

Cadets must provide their own transportation to and from the Academy.  Parking is allocated on the grounds for personal vehicles. 

Cadets receive extensive training and education in related police knowledge and skills.  A passing grade of 75% or higher must be achieved in all academic courses. 

Prior to the arrival at the Academy for Cadet training, candidates should engage in a well-rounded physical fitness program.  A rigorous program of physical conditioning including calisthenics, weight training, fighting techniques, hand-to-hand combatives, and defensive tactics, is conducted during the training.

Cadets participate in a progressive running program designed to strengthen the cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory systems as well as increase the aerobic capacity.  The program begins at the distance of approximately two miles and progresses to a distance of up to three miles.

Cadets must demonstrate proficiency in physical abilities and skills.

Upon reporting to the Academy, a candidate should also possess an acceptable level of proficiency in operating a vehicle in both rural and urban situations.  Cadets will be instructed in defensive driving techniques and must demonstrate a proficiency in defensive driving during the course of the training.

Cadets are required to maintain, in accordance with established rules and regulations, their personal appearance, rooms, issued equipment and personal belongings, all of which are subject to periodic inspections by the Academy Staff.

Cadets assist in maintaining all Academy facilities and equipment, including lawn maintenance and vehicle maintenance to name a few.  Cadets perform such other duties as kitchen and dining hall service, weekend security duty and nightly security duty.

Upon successful completion of training a Cadet is promoted to the rank of Trooper at the time of graduation and assigned to a detachment where they are required to successfully complete a Field Officer Training Program.  A trooper may be stationed at any one of the 55 counties in West Virginia and may be subject to transfer based on operational need.

Degree Program

Troopers who successfully complete the Academy curriculum, post Academy Field Officer Training, and probationary programs will be awarded an Associate Degree in Police Science through Marshall Community & Technical College.  (Certain restrictions may apply.)

Career Progression

There are several avenues available to West Virginia State Troopers for career advancement.  The agency's Career Progression System allows for members to elect to remain in non-supervisory positions and receive elevations through the rank of Corporal or to participate in a competitive process for the supervisory ranks of Sergeant through First Lieutenant.  Members may also receive appointments to designated support positions that allow for temporary pay incentives as long as the position is occupied.

The Troopers' movement through the non-supervisory ranks is dependant upon satisfactory performance and years of service.  Normal reclassifications occur at three years service (Senior Trooper), eight years service (Trooper First Class), and at fourteen years service (Corporal).  Each of these elevations in rank are accompanied by significant salary increases and allow the member to advance his or her career when the member does not desire to become a supervisor or when no supervisory positions are available.

A member may elect to compete for the first level supervisory rank (Sergeant), once the status of Senior Trooper is obtained.  Advancement to the second level supervisory rank (First Sergeant) is possible once a probationary period of six months as Sergeant has been successfully completed.  Additional advancement to the upper level management position of First Lieutenant is available to troopers who successfully attain the rank of First Sergeant.

The Career Progression System allows the Superintendent to appoint troopers to certain positions that will, in many cases, allow the trooper to request a temporary pay classification that exceeds his or her normal pay grade.  These appointments are determined by operational need and individual qualifications.  Advancement in this temporary system is based upon outstanding performance. Any non-probationary member may request consideration for a support appointment.

In addition to the Career Progression System, the Superintendent has the authority to appoint from the members of the agency, regardless of rank status, a Deputy Superintendent with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and eighteen principal supervisors who shall hold the rank of Captain, Major or Lieutenant Colonel.

Employee Benefits

The State of West Virginia offers a wide range of benefits to all of its employees.  Health and life insurance are available through the Public Employees Insurance Agency, including the option to join a managed care health plan.  Employees are required to contribute towards the cost of the insurance plan selected.  A $10,000 decreasing term life insurance policy is included as part of the health plan coverage.  Additional decreasing term life insurance ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 may be purchased at a very low premium.

As provided by state law, each uniformed member also has a $5,000 life insurance policy which is paid 100% by the state.  Accidental death and dismemberment (double indemnity) coverage on this policy is available at a nominal cost.

During open enrollment periods, uniformed members may also participate in a state-sponsored flexible benefits program which includes dental and vision coverage, medical expense spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, a legal plan and long-term disability income protection.  The cost of these programs is paid by plan participants.

Other insurance programs are sponsored directly by the State Police and are available at reasonable costs.  One of the most popular programs is long-term disability insurance through Aetna Life and Casualty.  This program provides income protection for both duty and non-duty disabilities.

Uniformed members employed after March 31, 1986 are covered under the Medicare portion of Social Security.  The employee contribution of 1.45% is matched equally by the state.  Uniformed members are not covered, however, by the retirement portion of the Social Security Program.

Retirement System

Under current law, Troopers contribute 12% of their gross salary into the “West Virginia State Police Retirement System”, commonly known as “Plan B”.  As the employer, the West Virginia State Police also contributes 12% of salary into the system. 

In order to qualify for full retirement benefits, a member must be 55 years of age with 20 years of service, excluding military service.  A member who is less than 55 years of age qualifies for reduced benefits as long as he or she has 20 or more years of credited service, excluding military service.

Beneficiaries do not receive any benefit under this retirement plan if they are in receipt of benefits under other State of West Virginia retirement plans. 

The annual retirement annuity adjustments will be 1.00% for regular retirement and will be payable on July 1 of each year after the member is 63 years of age. 

DEATH BENEFITS

The benefits paid to the surviving spouse for a Service Related death are monthly payments in which the annual benefit is equal to 7/10th of the member's base salary during the last 12 months.  A surviving spouse will also receive $100 per month for each dependent child.  If there is no surviving spouse, or if the spouse remarries, each surviving dependent child will receive 25% of the spouse's benefit.  If there is no surviving spouse or children, then the surviving dependent parents each receive 50% of what would have been paid to the spouse.

The benefits paid to the surviving spouse for a Non-Service Related death of a member with less than 20 years of service are monthly payments in which the annual benefit is equal to 50% of the member's annual base salary during the last 12 months.  If the member had 20 years of service at the time of his/her death, the annual benefit will be 7/10th of what the member would have received if retirement had occurred just prior to death.  If there is no surviving spouse, or the spouse remarries, each surviving dependent child will receive 25% of the spouse's benefit.  If there is no surviving spouse or children, then the surviving dependent parents each receive 50% of what would have been paid to the spouse.

DISABILITY RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Troopers are not currently covered by Workers’ Compensation.  There are provisions for non-service related disability, partial service related disability, and total service related disability retirement benefits. 

CONSOLIDATED PUBLIC RETIREMENT BOARD

Specific questions regarding retirement benefits should be directed to the State of West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board at (304) 558-3570 or (800) 654-4406.

State police pension benefits as established by the provisions of statute are administered by the Consolidated Public Retirement Board.  All trooper applicants are encouraged to visit the Consolidated Public Retirement Board website at http://www.state.wv.us/admin/cprb/RSPOLICE.htm for more information on the topics covered above.

MILITARY BENEFITS

Any member of this retirement system who has at least 20 years service as a member of the State Police Retirement Fund who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States will receive credit for this service up to 5 years provided he or she is receiving no benefit from any other retirement system for his or her active military duty.  This service does not affect eligibility to receive benefits, but is used in the benefit formula at the time of retirement.

OTHER BENEFITS

A member who terminates employment after 10 years of service (excluding military service), but prior to eligibility for normal retirement may withdraw his or her contributions.  However, if the employee contributions are not withdrawn the member is eligible for deferred retirement benefits beginning at age 62.  There are no retirement benefits for a member with less than 10 years of service.  A member who terminates employment at any time may receive a refund of all contributions he/she has contributed into the retirement system with 4% interest after funds have been on deposit for at least one year.  If you withdraw your contributions, you have no right to any retirement benefits under this retirement system.

Questions

Questions not covered by this brochure may be addressed to the following:

West Virginia State Police

Personnel Section

725 Jefferson Road

South Charleston, WV  25309-1698

Telephone: 304-746-2117

Office Hours:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

OR e-mailed to

personnel@wvstatepolice.com

Notice of Disclaimer

This brochure has been compiled solely for informational purposes and provides only an overview of the testing process, qualifications, and requirements for the position of West Virginia State Trooper.  Amendments to federal and state law, personnel policies and the Administrative Rule may supplement, modify or supersede the contents of this brochure.  

Further, this brochure is not an employment contract or agreement and its contents are subject to change without notice.                                   

April 2002