This bill aims to amend the law regarding the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers within the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation in West Virginia. It clarifies that certain employees are recognized as law-enforcement officers, provided they have completed the necessary training. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of the commissioner, including the authority to permit designated employees to use publicly provided carriage for work-related travel. Additionally, it specifies that correctional officers are authorized to make arrests, detain individuals for violations of state law, and conduct investigations related to criminal activity within correctional facilities.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that correctional officers who have been authorized to carry firearms are considered qualified law-enforcement officers under federal law. It allows designated correctional officers to carry concealed firearms for self-defense, contingent upon meeting specific criteria, including annual qualification in firearm use and the issuance of identification by the commissioner. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that individuals prohibited from possessing firearms are excluded from the concealed carry program and emphasizes that participation in this program is at the discretion of the commissioner. Notably, the bill inserts a new provision stating that the provisions of 30-29-12 of the code will apply to all correctional officers recognized as law-enforcement officers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: A-3-10