GOV. JUSTICE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY WITH STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES - Mobilizing National Guard

(12/30/2017)
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency regarding staffing at the state's juvenile, adult detention and correctional facilities.

Gov. Justice plans to use the state's National Guard to maximize staffing at the facilities until "legislative and operational remedies can be developed and implemented." The order, which was not initially released to the media, was signed on December 22.

Justice says the number of correctional officers are less that what is safely recommended to operate the facilities and there is a danger to the public and even the people in jail.

The jail system has experienced numerous management and safety problems in recent months.

According to the order, the State recognizes excessive amounts of overtime are not conducive to safe working practices and environments.