CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Capitol Police are hiring. The organization which provides security to the state capitol complex as well as other state offices in Kanawha County has about eight openings.
Kevin Foreman, Director of the Capitol Police, said they typically look for former or current law enforcement officers to fill positions.
“We’re looking for certified officers first. Anybody who has been through the academy or an equivalent academy, that’s the first thing we’re looking for. Whether they are working for somebody else or are retired, we’re just looking for anybody who has that West Virginia law enforcement certification,” he explained.
The job, which starts out with a salary of $40,000 annually is different from the intense grind of front line law enforcement. According to Foreman, theirs is a different mission.
“We don’t investigate near the number of crimes that a State Police detachment or a city police agency would investigate. We do things a little bit more proactive. We try to do security related things rather than just respond to calls,” he said.
Although they are looking for law enforcement who are already trained and certified first, Foreman said they do have openings for those who may want to test the waters. Young people or those with no experience are often put into positions of screening those entering the Capitol Complex or the old DMV building. The screening jobs are the entry level for those seeking a law enforcement position. Foreman said those who show the right mettle could be sent to the academy to become fully trained officers.
Application can be made online at Division of Protective Services website.