Two officers interview for MUPD

Interviews were conducted Jan. 19 to replace two officers who have left the Marshall University Police Department.

Sgt. Angela Howell said because the positions were already open, the money was there to hire two officers.

"We are not creating new positions," Howell said.

The department made its required 6 percent budget cut after the announcement by President Dan Angel, she said.

Because there are positions available, the department can hire the new officers to keep the force at a maximum level of 20, which includes the chief, assistant director of public safety, three lieutenants, three sergeants and patrol officers.

The new employees will replace an officer who left in September to join the West Virginia State Police and one who left Jan. 16 to join the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department, Howell said.

Officers must complete the mandatory 13-week basic police training at the West Virginia State Police Academy and be certified as law enforcement officers in the state.

Chief James Terry said it will take four to six months to hire the new officers because of the wait on background checks.