The Elkins Public Safety Committee on Wednesday considered changing the entrance exam for incoming police officers. Elkins Police Lt. H.R. White said the exam is geared toward police work and new hires may not know some of the information.

"You cannot expect them to know what they have not learned yet," White said.

According to White, from the last test administered, only one person remains from a field of 31 candidates. More than 50 people signed up, but not all took the exam. The Randolph County Sheriff's Department uses a different test, one created by the West Virginia Sheriff's Association.

"We have had a certified officer that failed it twice," Elkins Mayor Duke Talbott said.

White added, "He may be hired by the sheriff's department."

Committee Chairman and 5th Ward Councilman Jim Bibey said the test needs to be one that focuses on general knowledge and still includes a psychological aspect.

The committee may also consider changing the strength and agility test for already certified officers who apply to join the force. White said that part of the test is the same one used by the West Virginia State Police Academy. The city selected it to help ensure candidates can complete the test before they go to the academy.

Bibey said he would work on new physical standards for already certified officers.

In other business, Elkins Fire Chief Tom Meader told the committee his department is beginning to inspect businesses for occupancy limits.

"There are some places that have been getting away with their occupancies," Meader said. "We are trying to get ahead of it. It is a liability issue for the city."

Meader also wants Elkins City Council to consider re-writing an ordinance to mandate key secure systems for area businesses. Instead of making it mandatory for all businesses, Meader wants all commercial buildings with a sprinkler system to have the box installed. He said he would meet with the Elkins Rules and Ordinance Committee to begin the process.

Meader also informed the committee that the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department has changed its bylaws to allow 18 year olds an opportunity to become volunteer firefighters.

Previously, individuals could only join after they turned 21.