8/27/2007

We were very busy over the last two weeks dealing with the special session that was called by Gov Manchin. An important topic involving electronic interceptions was addressed in House Bill 204, which is by no means a fix to the problem that was created from the WV Supreme Court earlier this year. The bill passed created law for the recording or monitoring electronic interceptions that involved a consenting party to the conversation within a residence. I am sure that the department will provide a departmental policy or memo advising how we are to proceed with these types of investigations following the passage of this bill so I will not go into details concerning the requirments set forth within this bill.

Also on Aug 20, 2007, Elaine Harris and I met with the Gov Manchin concerning the serious problem that our department is having with retention of troopers. We provided the Gov with a packet detailing the number of troopers that our department has lost over the last 18 1/2 years, detailing the increase over the last ten (10) with the majority occurring within the last 2 1/2 years. The information provided also showed the problem with the initial applicant and the decline in initial applicants testing which is creating problems for the department to fill the needed vacant positions. Pay was also a subject that addressed.

On Aug 23, 2007, the WVTA held its board meeting, during which a decision was made to implement a new legal service for the membership. This has been long overdue and feel that this will be a great resource for the membership to ensure due process is afforded. A letter will be sent to the membership as soon as the details are worked out with this service.