This bill amends the process for appointing eligible law enforcement officers in West Virginia by modifying the criteria for certification from the Civil Service Commission. Specifically, it increases the number of eligible candidates that can be certified from a maximum of three to five individuals based on their performance in competitive examinations held within the last three years. Additionally, the bill grants hiring agencies the discretion to hire from a smaller pool of applicants if the number of ranked candidates falls below the optimal number.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the procedure for handling objections to candidates by the appointing officer, allowing for a public hearing if necessary. If a candidate is rejected three times for the same or different positions, their name will be removed from the eligibility list. The bill maintains that each appointment will initially be for a probationary period of one year, ensuring that the selection process remains thorough and merit-based.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-14-15