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Sheriff’s office warns hiring delays; requests emergency meeting as candidates await backgrounds and physicals
Summary
Berkeley County sheriff's office told the Civil Service Commission that state rules requiring a three-name submittal and delays on physicals and background checks are slowing hiring. The sheriff’s office asked for an emergency meeting and the commission discussed test scheduling, SAFER grant positions, and application-signature issues.
BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — Berkeley County sheriff's officials told the Civil Service Commission on Oct. 15 that hiring delays caused by background investigations, physical-exam scheduling and a state-mandated three-name requirement are impeding recruitment, and they asked the commission to consider an emergency meeting to expedite candidate submittals.
Chiefs and CID staff said the county currently has around 10 to 12 openings and nine names on the eligibility list, including three names the sheriff’s investigators are now processing. Sheriff’s personnel said the department recently reduced a previously stated count of seven vacancies to five hired by internal accounting; they reported a SAFER grant award for five positions. The sheriff’s representatives said they anticipated recommending two hires, declining one, and continuing background work on the others.
"We are going to probably require an emergency meeting in order to get those names to us a little faster than the the November 19," a sheriff’s office representative told commissioners, asking the commission to be prepared to approve additional candidate names outside the regular schedule if necessary.
Staff reported 24 total continuous applications received as of Oct. 15; 10 applicants had submitted the required signed applicant statement and were ready to proceed. Commissioners and staff discussed scheduling a new test date, coordinating with Martinsburg High School for facility availability, and the limits of the three-name submittal process imposed by state code.
The commission also discussed practical improvements to reduce delays: accepting electronically signed applicant statements when permissible, using alternative locations for physical exams, and scheduling a special meeting to approve name submittals once the sheriff’s office completes background checks.
No formal vote was taken on scheduling an emergency meeting on Oct. 15, but commissioners indicated willingness to convene a special session when the sheriff’s office forwards the names and documentation.
The commission’s next regular meeting was set for Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. in the commission chambers.
