Founded in 1919 as the West Virginia Department of Public Safety, West Virginia State Police provides direct and indirect law enforcement services to ensure the continued security of people and residential, governmental and business properties. It is charged with the responsibility of general and special law enforcement and criminal investigation services with concentration in rural, unincorporated areas of the state. West Virginia State Police s troopers conduct highway patrolling and provide security services for athletic events, fairs and festivals. In addition to criminal investigation, traffic control and security-related duties, the state police provides forensic laboratory, executive protection, emergency management, law enforcement training and vehicle inspection services to other governmental entities within the state. Located in South Charleston, W.Va., West Virginia State Police is one of the oldest police organizations in the United States.