The West Virginia State Police Academy
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 officers actions during their training and employment.
Cadets must maintain proper discipline and deportment 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 20 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 combat, 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 Academy training, a Cadet is promoted to the rank of Trooper at the time of graduation and assigned to a detachment located at any one of the 55 counties in West Virginia.
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 are provided at the time of notification of enlistment.
A Cadet is paid during training. The entry level salary for a Cadet is $4,235.33 per month. A substantial increase is granted upon completion of training and subsequent assignment as a Trooper. As an employee of the West Virginia State Police, a Cadet is also eligible for employee benefits including insurance coverage.