(a)      (1)      With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

            (2)      The Secretary is the head of the Department.

      (b)      Before taking office, the appointee shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.

      (c)      (1)      The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor.

            (2)      The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor's policies on public safety, crime prevention, correction, parole, and probation.

      (d)      The Secretary is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.