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The
West Virginia State Police was born in controversy in the
second extraordinary session of the West Virginia
Legislature on June 19, 1919. 
Then Governor John Jacob
Cornwell was insistent upon having a State Police force
which he said, "was mandatory in order for him to
uphold the laws of our State." Part of the
compromise was the name of the organization. "West
Virginia Department of Public Safety" was the
official name; however, over the years, most citizens
have accepted "State Police" as the unofficial
name. The West Virginia State Police is recognized as the
fourth oldest state police agency in the United States.
In the reorganization of State government during the 1989
legislative session, the Department of Public Safety was
reorganized and encompasses more than just the State
Police. At that time, our Agency became the Division of
Public Safety; however, during the 1995 legisaltive
session, our name was officially changed to the West
Virginia State Police.
Members
of the West Virginia State Police receive their training
at the West Virginia State Police Academy; located in
Institute, West Virginia. Upon appointment, cadets
undergo an intense 24-week training program and, upon
graduation, serve a twelve month probationary period.
Today, the members of the West Virginia State Police are
continuing to provide efficient police service to the
citizens of West Virginia. The forest green uniform,
campaign hat and shoulder patch are symbols of our proud
heritage.