Law enforcement recruitment problematic for all departments

Erin Cleavenger, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.
·4 min read
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Jun. 5—Police departments countywide and throughout the state are experiencing an unprecedented shortage of new officer recruits.

The Monongalia County Sheriff's Department said they will be down eight officers, which is unheard of in their department.

According to the University Police Department, they are currently recruiting for seven open officer positions.

New Star City Police Chief Jessica Colebank said in an interview earlier this week, one her first priorities is recruitment and staffing for her department.

Granville Police are also actively recruiting.

The largest shortage is at the City of Morgantown Police Department, which is down nearly 20 officers.

A recent study done by Wallethub.com ranked the best and worst states to be a police officer — West Virginia ranked 48 on a list of 51 states, including Washington, D.C. But why might the Mountain State seem less attractive to potential officers ?

Opinions from officers on why recruitment numbers are dwindling, at least in our area, vary depending on which department you talk to. However, the main themes seem to be the public's view of law enforcement, funding and support from local governments.

"Certainly, platforms of negativity directed towards law enforcement is pretty significant right now for us, " said Monongalia County Sheriff's Chief Deputy of Civilian Operations Vance Lipscomb. "How many other professions are there where primarily every move you make is scrutinized ?"

"I don't think West Virginia has received as much negative attention as some of these bigger city areas, " said Mark Ralston, Monongalia County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy of Law Enforcement. "We've been fortunate with some of that, but we do get some of the hangover from it for sure and I'm sure that has something to do with it."

Funding is also an issue in comparison to what our neighboring states are able to offer potential officers.

"I think the biggest reason why we are where we are is due to funding, " said Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer. "The departments throughout the state don't have the proper funding, which includes salaries, comparable salaries, and equipment.

"Now, I will say, with that being said, " continued Palmer. "That this county, with our county commission, who are definitely proactive, and understand what public service means to the community, give me financial backing in my budgets to get the training and the equipment."

The sheriff noted the county recently approved a new pay scale for the department effective July 1 that will make the department in the top two or three in the state salary-wise, which may aid recruitment numbers.

Brandon Viola, president of Mon /Preston Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #87, said officers with the Morgantown Police Department do not feel they are experiencing the same amount of proactive support from city council.

"At the Morgantown Police Department they don't feel supported, not necessarily by the community, but by the city administration, " said Viola.

"Every other agency in this area has enacted some kind of a pay increase for their officers to try to combat the fact that the numbers are diminishing, " Viola said. "Morgantown [put into place ] not increasing pay and are cutting benefits — they're kind of going the opposite direction."

Viola said "the number one thing it comes down to is people want to have a job where they feel like they're paid what the job is worth and valued by their employers."

Another issue deterring new recruits may be the requirements to become an officer.

Lipscomb said legislation dictates applicants take a physical agility test, a written test, a polygraph examination and a psychological examination.

In addition, the only training academy currently available is the State Police. So, as of now, if you don't in there, you don't get in.

Whatever the reason or reasons for the current recruiting crisis, officers agree something must be done or public safety will be at risk.

"I mean, right now Morgantown has a pretty good response time for calls, you know. Most calls it only takes a few minutes for police officers to get there, " Viola said. "You're gonna see increased response time on those calls, you're gonna see non-emergency calls end up being stacked and when an officer gets a chance to get to it, they'll get to it."

Viola said special services, like investigations and special response teams could also be eliminated if patrol numbers are not met.

For now, the individual departments are doing what they can to boost recruitment numbers, from community outreach to ads and billboards.

If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, the Morgantown Police Department is taking applications until June 6, the Star City Department is accepting applicants until June 7, applications for the Granville Department are due July 1. The Sheriff's Department is currently accepting applicants for a test sometime in July. Contact the department you are interested in for more information There is no set testing schedule for University Police applicants. An interested person can check for openings and apply at any time to be considered by visiting https://careers.wvu.edu.