West Virginia correctional officers may carry concealed firearms under set rules

Designated correctional officers may carry a concealed firearm for self-defense under the stated program. This applies to state-designated correctional officers who meet the program’s requirements. The commissioner must have a written policy allowing this carry, require annual firearm qualifications, and issue a photo identification and certification card. The policy must exclude people barred by law from having firearms and bar carrying while impaired. Participating officers pay for their own suitable firearm and ammunition. The law took effect June 12, 2026. The carry option depends on the commissioner having a written policy in place.

Correctional officers may make specified arrests, detain people, and pursue escapees; the commissioner may also designate employees as correctional peace officers. Correctional officers employed by the Division may act against people who surrender after being charged, people in Division custody who break the law in an officer’s presence, and people who violate state law on facility property. The commissioner chooses which employees to designate as correctional peace officers. Correctional peace officers may investigate crimes in a facility, carry out legal orders, and seek and execute search warrants needed for their duties. The law took effect June 12, 2026.

The Corrections Special Operations Team serves as a first responder and has limited law-enforcement and arrest powers. The team includes the Corrections Emergency Response Team, the K9 unit, and the Crisis Negotiations Team. When team members pursue an escapee or absconder outside facility grounds, they must have help and cooperation from local law enforcement or the West Virginia State Police. The police-assistance rule applies when the team apprehends an escapee or absconder outside facility grounds.