Carl Robert “Jay” Smithers

Carl Robert “Jay” Smithers was appointed Director of the Division of Protective Services effective July 22, 2005, and served in the capacity of Acting Director since April 2002.  Mr. Smithers also served as Deputy Director from the Division’s inception in 1998 until June 1, 2004.  Prior to joining the Division in 1998, Mr. Smithers was a member of the West Virginia State Police from 1973 until my retirement in 1998.  Mr. Smithers has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience in West Virginia , beginning as a West Virginia State Trooper, progressing to the rank of Captain and also serving as a member of the senior staff.   

Mr. Smithers is a Sissonville native and completed his undergraduate curriculum at West Virginia State College where he earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.   Mr. Smithers continued his graduate work at Marshall University where he earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Safety.  Mr. Smithers 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 .