There are several avenues available to West Virginia State Troopers for career advancement. The agency's Career Progression System allows for members to elect to remain in non-supervisory positions and receive elevations through the rank of Corporal or to participate in a competitive process for the supervisory ranks of Sergeant through First Lieutenant. Members may also receive appointments to designated support positions that allow for temporary pay incentives as long as the position is occupied.
The Troopers' movement through the non-supervisory ranks is dependant upon satisfactory performance and years of service. Normal reclassifications occur at three years service (Senior Trooper), eight years service (Trooper First Class), and at fourteen years service (Corporal). Each of these elevations in rank are accompanied by significant salary increases and allow the member to advance his or her career when the member does not desire to become a supervisor or when no supervisory positions are available.
A member may elect to compete for the first level supervisory rank (Sergeant), once the status of Senior Trooper is obtained. Advancement to the second level supervisory rank (First Sergeant) is possible once a probationary period of six months as Sergeant has been successfully completed. Additional advancement to the upper level management positions of First and Second Lieutenant is available to troopers who successfully attain the rank of First Sergeant.
The Career Progression System allows the Superintendent to appoint troopers to certain positions that will, in many cases, allow the trooper to request a temporary pay classification that exceeds his or her normal pay grade. These appointments are determined by operational need and individual qualifications. Advancement in this temporary system is based upon outstanding performance. Any non-probationary member may request consideration for a support appointment.
In addition to the Career Progression System, the Superintendent has the authority to appoint from the members of the agency, regardless of rank status, a Deputy Superintendent with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and eleven principal supervisors who shall hold the rank of Captain, Major or Lieutenant Colonel.