{West Virginia}...In an attempt at cutting costs, West Virginia State Police are examining their detachments while considering closings and consolidations in light of $250,000 budget cut. One option being considered is to purchase property in Big Otter and combine the current Calhoun and Clay County detachments. West Virginia State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Michael Baylous says no final decisions about relocations have been made, but the state police is always willing to make changes to financially benefit the citizens of West Virginia and keep the public safe. The proposal to shut down detachments came after a 2009 study encouraged the State Police to close 21 detachments as a way to save money and run a more cost effective department. Then-Governor Joe Manchin mandated 4 percent cuts across the board for state agencies to keep the state economically sound.
