Governor Jim Justice has directed the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security to establish a School Safety Task Force in response to the recent increase in school threats across the state.
The School Safety Task Force will compile and analyze all reported school threats by county, educational institution, and Safe Schools Unit Region to ensure a coordinated response.
The task force comprises:
- West Virginia Fusion Center
- West Virginia State Police (WVSP)
- West Virginia Safe Schools Unit
- WVSP – West Virginia Intelligence Exchange (WVIX)
- Federal Law Enforcement Partners
- West Virginia Department of Education
- West Virginia Prevention Resource Officer Program
The task force is reaching out to each county prosecutor to identify all arrests and juvenile petitions related to school threats. This data collection aims to ensure a swift and transparent legal process.
A communication connect room is being established to provide a centralized hub for all task force partners. This platform will activate during a critical incident, ensuring immediate coordination and response. The task force will share all relevant information with partners for a unified approach to school safety.
Justice is committed to ensuring the safety of students, educators, and communities across West Virginia. He will continue to provide resources and support to keep schools safe havens for learning and growth.
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and West Virginia Fusion Center will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Reporting a Threat
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security reminds all residents to call 911 if there is an immediate danger or if law enforcement intervention is necessary.
West Virginia has partnered with My Mobile Witness to implement a “see something, send something” reporting system that can be completed on a smartphone or other device. Residents are encouraged to participate by downloading the free See, Send application from the App Store or Google Play.
My Mobile Witness is also compatible with web-based reporting and not strictly for cell phone use. Once the app is downloaded, users will be prompted to enter their first and last name, phone number, and state of residence. Reporting can be done anonymously if preferred. Users may submit tips for “Crime/Suspicious Activity” or “School Threat or Safety Issues,” and request help for “Suicide or Addiction.”
