Relating to appointment of officers of the West Virginia State Police

More temporary West Virginia State Police supervisors

The law raises the number of principal State Police supervisors to 20, with temporary ranks of lieutenant colonel, major, or captain. The superintendent can also appoint two executive protection members as temporary first lieutenants. These paid appointments bypass normal career progression requirements, but executive protection appointees need at least two years in that section. The superintendent controls these temporary appointments and their compensation; the law sets no pay amounts or requirement to fill every position. Members whose permanent rank is below first lieutenant remain eligible for regular promotion or reclassification. When temporary appointments end, members keep at least their permanent rank or classification unless reduced through discipline. They remain eligible for another temporary appointment. The deputy superintendent must come from enlisted members, hold lieutenant colonel rank, and serve directly below the superintendent. The superintendent can also appoint enlisted members to run administrative offices, training, the forensic laboratory, and related support services. Forensic laboratory members hold the title of trooper and are classified as criminalists. The law takes effect 90 days after passage.