T-L Photo/JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH Martins Ferry Police Chief Jerry Murphy looks over recruitment materials in his office as his department seeks to fill some open positions.

MARTINS FERRY — Police Chief Jerry Murphy is looking for a few individuals who want to build a career in law enforcement.

The Martins Ferry Police Department is holding an open recruitment period for people who not only want to be police officers, but also want to “contribute to the safety and well-being of our community.”

Interested applicants must be at least 21 years old and have proof of completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy program. Additional credit will be awarded for verified military service.

Qualified individuals must apply by June 13 at the police department at 35 S. Fifth St. or online at martinsferry.org/safety/police-department. At 10 a.m. June 21, a Civil Service Examination will be conducted in the Martins Ferry City Council Chamber at the same address.

“The Martins Ferry Police Department offers a rare and rewarding opportunity to those who exhibit dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in law enforcement,” the recruitment announcement states. “Qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and join the distinguished ranks of our department.”

Murphy said the department currently has 11 officers, including himself. He hopes to hire two new officers with finding from a COPS grant and a third to replace one who will soon retire. Eventually, he would like to have 14 officers among its ranks.

“There are more jobs than cadets,” Murphy said. “We have been short staffed since I took over in 2023, due to attrition and retirements.”

The chief noted that the compensation and benefits package is competitive, due largely to terms negotiated with the union over time. Base pay is $27.44 per hour, but that is set to increase to $28.53 per hour in January.

In addition, officers can receive shift differential pay, special assignment pay, officer-in-charge pay, longevity pay and holiday pay for 15 designated holidays that is 2.5 times the standard hourly rate and three times that rate on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Benefits include 12-hour shifts with one weekend off every two weeks, paid time off for vacation, bereavement, sick leave and mental health days. Comprehensive health, vision and dental insurance is available, along with life and liability insurance and an annual uniform allowance of $1,600. A ballistic vest and firearm are supplied, and officers have exclusive access to a dedicated firing range as well as reimbursement for physical fitness-related expenses, such as a gym membership.

“Law enforcement has changed,” Murphy noted. “… We are asked to do more with less now. We have more paperwork and administrative duties, more state- and federal-mandated tasks.”

He said the ideal candidate will be a person of good moral character — something the department can only measure over time, which is why new hires must serve a one-year probationary period. He added that to be considered, a candidate must have attended the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. The department will not pay for that training.

He noted that for the department to be successful, public perception about its officers is key. That is why he is seeking individuals who are “professional, courteous, kind and community oriented.”