West Virginia State Police image.
CHARLESTON, W. Va.–The West Virginia State Police is detailing the progress that’s been made regarding investigations surrounding their department in a report sent out.
Superintendent Colonel Jack Chambers, who recently had the interim tag removed from his title, said he wanted to be transparent with the public on these ongoing investigations, according to the WVSP.
The report includes details on the hidden camera placed in the women’s locker room at the State Police Academy.
The status of several ongoing investigations were updated:
• The hidden camera at the WVSP academy and the destruction of the storage device that contained
footage from the hidden camera are currently the subject of federal and internal investigations.
• Regarding the domestic issues and related criminal investigation of Joseph Comer, the domestic
violence protective order was dismissed by a Family Court Judge at the petitioner’s request. The
state criminal charges for strangulation and domestic battery remain pending in Ritchie County
Circuit Court.
• The alleged sexual assaults of two women in Logan County by a state trooper remain under
Federal Investigation. Presently, both women have filed civil actions related to the allegations.
• The I-81 matter remains the subject of Federal and State criminal investigations and an internal
investigation.
The following steps have been taken to improve accountability and oversight.
• Previously, some supervisory personnel approved his or her own time entry and leave activity.
The superintendent now requires all daily activity reports or hours worked to be approved by the
next-line supervisor.
• The superintendent engaged the FBI to provide training for all members of the WVSP in civil
rights violations and the responsibility of acting under “color of law.” Several members underwent
the training during in-service. The remainder of the members shall receive the training in the next
round of in-service.
• Four Troopers have recently separated from employment due to the recognition of failing to meet
the standards and expectations of the WVSP.
• At the direction of DHS, the WVSP has collected and reviewed all currently effective
Memorandums of Understanding into which the WVSP has entered with other agencies.
• The superintendent requested the assistance of DHS’s Division of Administrative Services to
provide assistance and guidance in grants, human resources, purchasing, payroll, and accounting.
• Superintendent Chambers sent a letter of apology to any female victimized by the hidden camera
in the WVSP Academy Locker room.
• The WVSP, DHS, and Marshall University are working to implement the Marshall University Health
Line to aid females who believe themselves victims of the hidden camera system.