1. (a) The superintendent:

   1. (1) with the approval of the board;
   2. (2) within the limits of any appropriation made available for the purpose; and

   3. (3) subject to section 14 of this chapter;

      shall appoint personnel to the ranks, grades, and positions of the department that the superintendent considers necessary for the efficient administration of the department.

2. (b) The superintendent shall:

   1. (1) devise and administer examinations designed to test applicants; and
   2. (2) appoint only those applicants who best meet the prescribed standards and prerequisites.

3. (c) An employee appointed to the department is on probation for one

   1. (1) year from the date of appointment. The board may extend the employee's probationary status for cause for a period of not more than one (1) additional year.

4. (d) An employee may:

   1. (1) be a candidate for elected office or a political party office if permitted under 5 U.S.C. 1502 and serve in that office if elected;
   2. (2) be appointed to or selected for a pro tempore appointment to any office and serve in that office if appointed or selected; and

   3. (3) if the employee is not on duty, solicit votes and campaign funds and challenge voters for the office for which the person is a candidate.

      An employee may serve in a part-time local elected office. However, service in a part-time local elected office must be in accordance with IC 4-2-6 and the rules and employee policies of the department. If elected to other than a part-time local elected office, the employee or appointee shall resign as an employee or appointee before assuming elected office.

      [Pre-2003 Recodification Citation: 10-1-1-4.]

As added by P.L.2-2003, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.100-2012, SEC.24.