Clarifies law-enforcement powers of correctional officers in West Virginia, including authority to carry firearms.

This bill amends the law to clarify the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers in West Virginia. It specifies that correctional officers employed by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation are law-enforcement officers, with authority to make arrests, conduct investigations, and carry firearms. The commissioner has the authority to designate correctional employees as correctional peace officers, who can detain persons for violations of state law on facility property. Correctional officers can carry division-issued firearms while on duty, including travel to and from work sites.

Clarifies law-enforcement powers of correctional officers in West Virginia, including authority to carry firearms.

This bill amends the law to clarify the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers in West Virginia. It specifies that correctional officers employed by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation are law-enforcement officers, with authority to make arrests, conduct investigations, and carry firearms. The commissioner has the authority to designate correctional employees as correctional peace officers, who can detain persons for violations of state law on facility property. Correctional officers can carry division-issued firearms while on duty, including travel to and from work sites.