Governor Launches School Safety Task Force

In response to a series of school threats across the state this week, Gov. Jim Justice directed the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security Friday to establish a comprehensive task force to address and mitigate school safety concerns.

Schools across the state were on high alert Friday, with some like Preston County switching to a remote learning day out of an abundance of caution. Several districts have also canceled extracurricular activities, including football games in Monongalia and Kanawha counties.

The order comes on the heels of Justice’s announcement Thursday afternoon that he directed the West Virginia Fusion Center to act as the central repository for all threats of violence received at more than 45 schools in West Virginia. Justice also directed state agencies to act in a coordinated manner to diligently investigate social media posts and warnings circulating in communities across the state.  

The Fusion Center, a collaborative effort of multiple agencies that provide resources with the goal of maximizing the ability to investigate and respond to criminal and terrorist activity, will also head up the new task force.

A press release from the governor’s office stated the new School Safety Task Force “is actively compiling and analyzing all reported school threats by county, educational institution, and Safe Schools Unit Region to ensure a thorough and coordinated response.”

The School Safety Task Force is made up of the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Safe Schools Unit, the West Virginia Department of Education and federal law enforcement partners, as well as other stakeholders.

The task force is also said to be reaching out to county prosecutors to identify all arrests and juvenile petitions related to school threats that have been filed. 

The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security reminds all West Virginians to call 911 if there is an immediate danger or law enforcement intervention is necessary.
Additionally, 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 internet enabled device via the See, Send application. Search for your home county’s SeeSend page, like Mason County School’s, to submit a tip or download the app.