West Virginia West Virginia West Virginia () is a state located in the Appalachian region in the Southern United States and is also considered to be a part of the Middle Atlantic States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the east and northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest. West Virginia is the 41st largest state by area, and is ranked 38th in population. The capital and largest city is Charleston. West Virginia became a state following the Wheeling Conventions of 1861, after the American Civil War had begun. Delegates from
West Virginia State Police Academy West Virginia State Police Academy The West Virginia State Police Academy is a law enforcement training institution, operated by the West Virginia State Police, located in Institute, West Virginia. The academy trains West Virginia troopers for the State Police force and all newly hired municipal, university police officers, sheriff deputies, motor carrier enforcement and conservation officers from across the state. It is the only law enforcement training school in West Virginia. The State Police Academy, founded by (Ret.) Captain Charles Ray, held its first training class in 1953. The school sits on of land. The academy has four 50-seat audiovisual