# W. Va. Code § 15A-3-5: Officers and employees of corrections institutions

> West Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S5

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. Code § 15A-3-5
- **Heading:** Officers and employees of corrections institutions
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WV Code / Chapter 15A / Article 3 / Section 5

## Text

(a) The commissioner, or his or her designee, has the authority to manage and administer the finances, business, operations, security, and personnel affairs of correctional units and juvenile facilities under the jurisdiction of the division.

(b) The superintendent of each institution or correctional unit has the power to hire all assistants and employees required for the management of the institution in his or her charge, but the number of the assistants and employees, and their compensation, shall first be approved by the commissioner.

(c) It is the duty of the commissioner to investigate any complaint made against the superintendent of any institution, and against any other officer or employee thereof, if the same has not been investigated.

(d) All prospective correctional employees shall pass a preemployment drug screening prior to being hired.

(e) All persons employed at a state-operated correctional institution or correctional unit are subject to the supervision and approval of the superintendent and the authority of the commissioner, or his or her designee, except those persons employed by the State Board of Education, pursuant to §18-2-13f of this code.

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-1 §15A-3-1. Purpose and legislative intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S1.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-2 §15A-3-2. Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation established.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S2.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-3 §15A-3-3. Commissioner of division; qualifications, oath and bond.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S3.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-4 §15A-3-4. Powers and duties of commissioner generally.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S4.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-4A §15A-3-4a. Powers and duties of commissioner generally regarding Stevens Correctional Center.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S4A.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-5 §15A-3-5. Officers and employees of corrections institutions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S5.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-6 §15A-3-6. Hiring of correctional officer without regard to position on the register.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S6.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-7 §15A-3-7. Compensation of employees; traveling and other expenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S7.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-8 §15A-3-8. Reports by commissioner and chief officers of institutions to Auditor.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S8.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-9 §15A-3-9. Special compensation of officers and employees prohibited; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S9.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-10 §15A-3-10. Law-enforcement powers of employees; authority to carry firearms.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S10.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-11 §15A-3-11. Unauthorized use of uniform, badge, identification card, or other insignia; impersonation of member; and penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S11.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-12 §15A-3-12. Institutions managed by commissioner.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S12.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15A-3-13 §15A-3-13. Title to property of state institutions; custody of deeds and other muniments of title; authority of Commissioner.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S13.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15A_A3_S5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.