How to report possible school threats, shootings in WV

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – After the lethal elementary college taking pictures in Uvalde, Texas, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Safety is reminding residents to report in the event that they suppose a college is perhaps at risk.

West Virginia has a Secure Colleges helpline that’s answered 27/7, three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months. Anybody who has details about doable threats to varsities within the state ought to contact the helpline at 1-866-723-3982 (1-866-SAFE-WVA). Anybody can report data concerning something that might hurt college students, workers, or property at any of West Virginia’s colleges, and callers can request to stay nameless.

Involved residents may also e-mail tricks to safeschool@wv.gov.

The helpline may be referred to as for points corresponding to:

• Violence
• Weapons
• Threats
• Thefts or property harm
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Sexual harassment

“For those who see one thing, it’s essential to say one thing,” stated DHS Secretary Jeff Sandy. “Everybody – from the Division of Homeland Safety to most people – has an obligation to talk up in the event that they sense bother,” he continued. “ if one thing doesn’t really feel proper. For those who get data that you just really feel would possibly pose a hazard to our college students and lecturers at any of West Virginia’s colleges, it’s essential to contact the Secure Colleges Helpline.”

Since its inception, the Helpline has acquired almost 3,000 calls from these involved with college security. On Feb. 1, 2019, a caller reported a perceived risk on social media in opposition to Huntington Excessive College. WVEMD workers instantly notified regulation enforcement and faculty officers, who then notified mother and father and college students. Lower than 10 hours after the risk was reported, the Huntington Police Division apprehended the suspect and any additional violence in opposition to our college students was prevented.

The West Virginia Fusion Middle additionally continues to watch threats utilizing Actual Time Open-Source Evaluation software program in order that any hazard to West Virginia college students can instantly be recognized and intercepted.

For extra details about Secure Colleges and what data you can be requested for if you happen to name the helpline, click on right here.