West Virginia Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General
WV DHS OIG
Summary
The WV DHS Office of Inspector General is established as a separate and independent operating agency within the Department of Homeland Security under W. Va. Code §15A-13-1. The Inspector General is appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent for a five-year term and may only be removed for cause (malfeasance, gross misfeasance, persistent failure, or conduct prejudicial to justice). The office investigates fraud, waste, abuse of departmental funds, and misconduct threatening public safety across all DHS components, including the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and West Virginia State Police. It holds subpoena and deposition authority. Investigation reports are confidential, provided under seal to the Governor and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance quarterly.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | No |
| Pre-publication review | Executive review |
Statute
- Name
- West Virginia Department of Homeland Security Act
- Citation
- W. Va. Code §15A-13-1
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
West Virginia Department of Homeland Security agencies, including the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and West Virginia State Police