The next testing date for Morgantown police officers will occur on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Testing for new Officers

Testing for New Officers

The administrative staff is made up of the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, Captain, Training Lieutenant, Staff Services Commander (civilian position), and an administrative assistant.

The Administrative Division of the Morgantown Police Department is under the direction of Captain Chad Reyes. Responsibilities include patrol operations, internal investigations, community outreach programs, and scheduling. Lieutenant is responsible for scheduling training and organizing department-hosted training and ensuring all officers receive the required in-service training hours. Mr. Robert Gilmore serves in the support function which handles purchasing, equipment inventory, budgeting, and grant writing.

Administration

The Morgantown Police Department Detective Division has the responsibility of investigating all major crimes committed within the City of Morgantown. The unit is comprised of a supervisor, eight detectives and a civilian secretary. Four detectives work general crimes, and four detectives are assigned to the drug task force. In addition to investigating crimes, the detectives spend a large portion of time conducting interviews, surveillance, search warrants and assisting other agencies with investigations.

The detectives assigned to the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force work through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration giving them federal jurisdiction. Many of the cases are long term investigations with most being prosecuted in federal court. The detective division is under the command of First Sergeant Brandon Viola.

Detective Division/Criminal Investigation Unit

The Operations/Patrol Division is the largest unit within the Police Department and remains committed to providing a safe and crime-free environment for the citizens of Morgantown. The officers assigned to this division have the primary responsibility of answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service, conducting preliminary investigations, and reporting all crimes occurring within the City of Morgantown. Additionally, patrol officers enforce city ordinances and state laws and investigate traffic crashes. The Patrol Division is currently split into three platoons that work eight-hour shifts: A (Day) B (Afternoon) and C (Midnight). Each shift is under the direction of a Lieutenant.

Operations/Patrol Division

The records and dispatch division consists of nine non-sworn, civilian personnel. Five employees are assigned to dispatch which consists of receiving calls to the station, taking minor incident reports over the phone, relaying information to officers in the field, and monitoring security cameras. Four civilian personnel are assigned to the records department which enters all reports into the NIBRS system, reviews all reports submitted, provides reports to individuals and outside agencies, and stores and manages all reports taken by officers of the department. Laura Gunter supervises the dispatch and records department.

Dispatch/Records

The Special Services Unit (SSU) responds to non-traditional problems and challenges faced by the City of Morgantown. Officers assigned to the SSU are responsible for Neighborhood Watch, Solid Waste Enforcement, Special Events (parades, sporting events, etc.) and the Downtown Walking Beat. The most vital task for the unit is working with other City Departments and outside agencies to solve neighborhood issues. The Special Services Unit currently consists of four officers. The SSU is under the command of First Sergeant Rob Balderson.

Special Services Unit

The Police Social Worker (PSW) is a non-sworn, full-time civilian member of the Morgantown Police Department. The PSW provides direct services to the community to incorporate advocacy, crisis intervention, referrals, community education, victim services, and more.

Social Worker

Be amongst the brave men and women that make up the Morgantown Police Department. 

Safeguarding the community. Serving with honor.

We are the Morgantown Police Department. A full-service law enforcement agency with an authorized strength of 76 sworn police officers and 12 civilian support staff.

We strive to provide outstanding services with integrity, respect, and fairness while providing a safe environment. We serve an area of approximately 11 square miles and a population of more than 30,000 residents. Morgantown is the third-largest city in the state of West Virginia and is home to West Virginia University with an annual enrollment of approximately 30,000 students.

Home

Monday – Friday
7:00am to 6:00pm
(Closed Holidays)

I became a police officer because I am an extrovert and I love helping people everyday. I like to interact with the college students that attend WVU while I'm working. Police officers are mainly the ones who come to you when you are in need of help, but just interacting with the students that are experiencing freedom for the first time and giving them life advice is my favorite part of the job.

Austin Bittner

As police officers, we often interact with the public on their worst days. I like my job the most when I'm able to help improve someone's day and make it even the slightest bit better. You never know what kind of impact your words or attitude can have on someone's day or life. I enjoy helping people and I want to make my hometown community a safer and better place to live.

Alexandra Arthurs

I became a police officer because I wanted to help people. Leaving the military and becoming a police officer offered me the same structure, chain of command, and brotherhood the military did so it was an easy transition. One of the best things about being a Morgantown police officer is the team of co-workers that I have. I really enjoy working with them. Another thing I enjoy is that being a police officer is not a boring job where you sit behind a desk all day. Every day is different and brings new challenges. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, my dogs, my friends, and taking in all the great things that Morgantown has to offer.

If anyone is considering applying I would highly recommend becoming a police officer for the Morgantown Police Department. We have a lot to offer compared to most other departments. We have plenty of specialty positions and extra duties from Special Response Team, detectives, K-9, and many more.

Safeguarding the community. Serving with honor.

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Officer Spotlight