What happens to a state police personnel position if they are deployed for an extended period?

The correct answer highlights the protections afforded to state police personnel who are deployed for military service under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This federal law mandates that when a service member is called to active duty, their civilian job, including positions within law enforcement agencies like state police, must be preserved for them while they serve.

This means that upon their return from deployment, they are entitled to be reinstated in their original job or a comparable position, maintaining their employment rights and benefits. USERRA is designed to ensure that service members do not face job loss due to their military service, thus encouraging and supporting personnel who serve in the armed forces.

This provides a clear framework whereby the integrity of a personnel position is maintained during the period of deployment, supporting both the service member's rights and the continuity of the state police workforce. In contrast, the other options do not align with the provisions of USERRA or the general practice of protecting the positions of deployed personnel.