§7-26-5. Standard color for motor vehicles used by sheriffs; standard badges and uniforms; wearing other than standard uniform or badge; unauthorized wearing of official uniforms or badges.

(a) The bureau, by legislative rules, may adopt a standard color for the motor vehicles used by the various sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of West Virginia.

(b) For purposes of uniformity, the bureau may establish a standard badge and uniform to be worn by all sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.

(c) On and after July 1, 2015, any sheriff or deputy sheriff shall not wear any uniform or badge other than the standard uniform and badge as provided in subsection (b) of this section, except when engaged in specialized duty or undercover work, or other similar duties wherein the identity of the officer should be undisclosed: Provided, That nothing herein shall be construed to prevent members of any military, fraternal or similar organization or any other law-enforcement officer from wearing any insignia officially adopted or worn prior to the effective date of this section.

(d) Nothing in this article prevents an honorably retired sheriff or deputy sheriff from acquiring a standard uniform and insignia in accordance with section seventeen-d, article fourteen of this chapter.