W. Va. Code § 7-14B-2 – Definitions; population.

(a) For the purpose of this article:
1. (1) "Appointing officer" or "appointing sheriff" shall mean the sheriff of the county in which the appointment of a correctional officer shall be made pursuant to this article; and
2. (2) "Correctional officer" shall mean persons appointed by a sheriff whose sole duties as such correctional officer are within the scope of active operation and management of the county jail.
(b) For the purpose of this article, population shall be determined by reference to the last preceding census taken under the authority of the United States or of the Legislature of West Virginia.