(a)
(1) Each person who is selected as a police officer of the Division of Arkansas State Police shall be a probationer for a period of eighteen (18) months from his or her date of hire.
(2) A probationer may be discharged by the Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police with the approval of the Arkansas State Police Commission with or without cause.
(b) The probationary period shall not apply to a person who has already served a probationary period.