§ 75E-2-103. Commissioner of Criminal Justice -- Appointment -- Qualifications -- Salary -- Responsibility -- Powers and duties.

7/1/2026 (1) The chief executive officer of the department is the commissioner of criminal justice. (2) (a) The commissioner is appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. (b) The commissioner serves at the pleasure of the governor. (3) The commissioner shall: (a) be an individual of recognized executive and administrative capacity; (b) be selected solely with regard to qualifications and fitness to discharge the duties of the commissioner's office; and (c) maintain the highest standards of integrity and character. (4) The commissioner shall devote full time to the duties of the office. (5) The governor shall establish the commissioner's salary within the salary range fixed by the Legislature in Title 67, Chapter 22, State Officer Compensation. (6) In addition to the responsibilities described in this title, the commissioner shall: (a) administer and enforce this title; (b) appoint deputies, clerical workers, and other employees as required to properly discharge the duties of the department; (c) act as the governor's advisor on national, state, regional, metropolitan, and local government planning as it relates to criminal justice; and (d) make rules to carry out the department's duties and functions.