Keeping Schools Safe
Security Measures in Place
LORI KERSEY
Leaders of West Virginia ’ s primary , secondary and collegiate level schools are turning to technology and increased security as they consider the possibility of gun violence in schools .
According to Education Week , in the last school year , there were 51 school shootings in the U . S . that resulted in injuries or death . This is the most since 2018 , when the news organization started tracking the trends . While none of those shootings happened in West Virginia , the state ’ s educational leaders nonetheless say they have prepared for the potential of a shooting .
BridgeValley Community and Technical College in South Charleston , WV , is in the process of installing a gunshot detection system , says President Casey Sacks . The technology will consist of strategically positioned sensors within buildings that will automatically transmit alerts through a platform if gunshots erupt .
“ The system will help us partner more efficiently with external groups , including local law enforcement and fire departments , in case of an emergency situation ,” Sacks says . “ It also allows for automatic lockdowns and immediate notifications via text to the community , enabling individuals to take appropriate action and seek safety in case of an active shooter incident . Since the average shooting incident lasts only a few minutes and can result in fatalities within seconds , the gunshot detection system ’ s quick response time is crucial in mitigating the potential impact of such incidents .”
Other colleges and universities say they have added additional security cameras or police officers , while increasing the amount of training in preparation for potential shootings .
“ We have added many security enhancements such as video and surveillance cameras throughout campus and increased active shooter training and simulations ,” says Marty Roth , Ph . D ., president of the University of Charleston . “ We plan to upgrade our IT infrastructure to enhance campus safety and security .”
West Virginia University ( WVU ) at Parkersburg employs a campus officer but is in the process of adding a lead security officer in addition to other security officers .
“ We also do regular trainings to prepare for any type of emergency or a shooting so our staff would know how to respond ,” says Torie Jackson , the school ’ s president and CEO .
WVU as a whole prioritizes the campus community ’ s safety , says April Kaull , executive director of communications for WVU University Relations and Enrollment Management .
WVU police officers train annually for active shooter situations before each school year .
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