Governor Announces Carl Robert "Jay" Smithers to Serve as Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police

​CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the appointment of Carl Robert "Jay" Smithers to serve as Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police. Mr. Smithers assumes responsibility effective, March 16, 2011 following the retirement of Col. Timothy S. Pack.

"I have known Jay for a number of years and am pleased he has accepted the opportunity to lead the West Virginia State Police," said Governor Tomblin. "His extensive background in criminal justice and his years of service to the state in matters pertaining to law enforcement and training will serve our citizens well. We are fortunate to have someone with his depth of experience and commitment to ensuring that our West Virginia State Troopers continue to be the best and most respected in the nation. I am indebted to the commitment and service of Col. Pack. He has done a tremendous job for West Virginia and I wish him a well deserved retirement."

Mr. Smithers' prior state government experience includes achieving the rank of Captain with the West Virginia State Police where he also served as a member of the senior staff. Most recently, Mr. Smithers served as director of the West Virginia Division of Protective Services (Capitol Police).

During his time in state government, Mr. Smithers rose through the ranks from Field Trooper to Captain in the West Virginia State Police following his graduation from the academy in 1973. He was appointed Director of the Division of Protective Services July 2005 and has been with the division since its inception in 1998. He has more than 37 years of law enforcement experience in West Virginia.

A Sissonville native, Mr. Smithers completed his undergraduate work at West Virginia State College (now University) where he earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He continued his graduate work at Marshall University where he earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Safety. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy located in Quantico, Virginia and completed a Hazardous Device Course for the FBI at the U.S. Army Ordnance Missile and Munitions Center and School located at Redstone Arsenal Army Base in Huntsville, Alabama.

Contact: Jacqueline Proctor: 304-558-2000