The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations Unit within the State Police by increasing its membership from six to 19, including the addition of retired State Police members. The unit will now consist of 19 members or former members, with 18 regional members dedicated to assisting county Child Protective Services (CPS) in investigating child abuse and neglect cases. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the unit director, including overseeing unit activities, coordinating with CPS, and developing protocols for improving the identification and prosecution of child abuse cases.

Additionally, the bill establishes specific requirements for the reemployment of retired State Police officers within the unit. These include stipulations that no pension rights will accrue during reemployment, and that reemployed members will not receive credit for years of service after reemployment. The bill also mandates that reemployed officers must pass mental and physical examinations and will not be eligible for promotion or new pension eligibility. Compensation for reemployed members will be equivalent to that of regularly enlisted members, and they will retain the same authority and responsibilities as their active counterparts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2-15
Committee Substitute: 15-2-15
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 15-2-15