School Safety Unit

School Safety Director
Anthony Smith

SCHOOL SAFETY TIP LINE

866-723-3982

The School Safety Unit Mission Statement

The School Safety Unit within the Division of Protective Services shall primarily be charged to provide services to all public primary and secondary schools and may provide services to any private primary and secondary schools in the state upon request. The School Safety Unit will be tasked to make school safety inspections and to make recommendations to appropriate county school superintendents, principals, or other school administrators, regarding school safety. The officers assigned to the School Safety Unit shall also be authorized to respond to and investigate all school safety matters, in consultation with county boards of education. Any officer of the School Safety Unit has statewide jurisdiction and powers of general law enforcement and arrest for violations of law committed in their presence.

Upcoming Training Classes

Basic Crime Prevention Through Environment Design [CPTED]
July 21-25, 2025

Approved For WV Law Enforcement In-Service Credit
As Well As Supervisory Credit

Location: WV State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston WV 25305
WV State Training Center Building 7, Capitol Room

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

WHAT IS CPTED?

Crime Prevention Through Environmental design, also known as CPTED, is a strategy that brings together community members to examine how an area’s physical design can influence human behavior, reduce crime, fear crime, and improve quality of life. CPTED uses various tools to evaluate environmental conditions and utilize intervention methods to improve space and how it is used. Whether it is new construction, existing construction, green space, schools, businesses, or neighborhoods, CPTED strategies have proven to be successful.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE?
School administrators and security personnel (PRO/SRO): To implement CPTED strategies in school buildings and grounds to protect students and staff. Law enforcement officers: To better understand how the built environment influences crime patterns and to identify potential crime hotspots. Urban planners and designers: To incorporate CPTED principles into new developments and urban renewal projects. Architects and engineers: To design buildings and spaces with crime prevention in mind. Community and government leaders: To actively participate in neighborhood safety initiatives by recognizing and addressing environmental factors that contribute to crime.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How many can attend?
Unfortunately, the class size is limited to 30 students so once the class is full no further students will be admitted. This class is open nation-wide so if you are interested, please register as soon as possible.

Is there a cost?

Yes, the class is being instructed by the National Institute of Crime Prevention and there is associated cost to the course. The 5-day course is 650.00 per student payable to NICP when you register online.

Where do I register?
Register at the following link: https://thenicp.com/event/basic-crime-prevention-through-environmental-design-cpted-july-2025/

Can I receive WV Law Enforcement in-service credits?
Yes, this course has been approved for 40 hrs. in-service as well as supervisory level in-service credits.

If I have further questions, who can I contact?
Please feel free to contact School Safety Officer Donald Brown at (304) 494-2134. Also, additional information regarding the course location/parking, places to stay, and directions will soon be available on the WV Division of Protective Services website.