SECTION 3. Colonel of state police; powers and duties

The colonel shall be the executive and administrative head of the department and shall have charge of the administration and organization thereof. The colonel may, subject to the approval of the governor and the secretary of public safety and except as otherwise provided, organize such divisions, bureaus, sections and units as he deems necessary for the effective management of the department and, when he deems necessary for such purpose, may abolish or consolidate such divisions, bureaus, sections or units. The colonel shall, except as otherwise provided, direct all inspections and investigations. The colonel shall make all necessary rules and regulations for the government of the department, for reports to be made by employees of the department and for the performance of the duties of said employees. The colonel shall make an annual report to the governor and the secretary of public safety.

The colonel shall be appointed by the governor, upon the recommendation of the secretary of public safety, and shall be a person who has been employed by the department in a rank above the rank of lieutenant immediately prior to such appointment and shall serve for a term coterminous with that of the governor. The colonel shall devote his full time during business hours to the duties of the office.