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Community members encouraged to download app to help prevent school violence


The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security is asking all West Virginians to download this app. (WCHS)
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security is asking all West Virginians to download this app. (WCHS)
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The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security released a report detailing the state's school safety initiatives. One of the most important changes--all West Virginians are encouraged to download a free app to anonymously report any warning signs of school violence.

The app is called "See Send" by My Mobile Witness. It's an easy way to send tips to law enforcement if someone sees suspicious activity.

Once the app is downloaded to your device, users will be prompted to enter their first and last name, a phone number and then select a state of residence. Once those fields are entered, the app will be ready to use. The user may submit tips for “Crime/Suspicious Activity” or “School Threat or Safety Issues,” and they may also request help for “Suicide or Addiction.”

Download the app on the Apple App Store

Download the app on Google Play

According to the initiative report, 91% of school attackers had observable symptoms of mental health issues, like depression, poor impulse control and developmental delays. About 94% had at least one identifiable home life factor, such as divorce, abuse or financial difficulty.

As a way of reducing risk factors, the DHS suggests improving mental health assessments and access to services. The app is included in the first step of DHS's three-part safety initiative: detection and prevention. The other two parts are response during a crisis and post-crisis response. The details on those categories are available in the report.

The DHS said $2 million has been invested into the whole initiative so that the ideas can be put into practice.

"In my 43-year career, this is the most impactful, collaborative and strategic effort I have been a part of to protect our most valuable resource in West Virginia – our children,” West Virginia DHS Secretary Jeff Sandy said.

Robert Cunningham, deputy cabinet secretary of the DHS, said the app is one of the most crucial elements of prevention. The report details warning signs community members should look out for:

  • Disgruntlement towards peers or others
  • Unwillingness to abide by rules or policies
  • Making inappropriate statements or jokes
  • Asking questions about security, cameras, police response, etc.
  • Uncommon attire (i.e., face mask unrelated to sickness, dark color clothing, protective vests, visible weapons, etc.)

After warning signs are identified, community members are then asked to assess the situation to determine if their immediate safety is in jeopardy. If it is not, the report asks community members to assess whether they can safely de-escalate the situation in cases of active violence.

Understanding the common characteristics and traits of past mass shooters is of critical importance to better prepare for and possibly prevent mass shooting incidents in West Virginia Schools.

- WV DHS School Safety Manual

Importantly, the report said community members should pay attention to the race, height, gender, clothing description, vehicle, number of associates or companions, time of day, etc. to help law enforcement.

The report emphasizes that even if the community member determines that the situation has resolved or will resolve, a report can help law enforcement piece together facts if there's a crime related to the incident later.

"Do not assume that someone else will report a concerning incident," the report said, "Most of the time, concerning incidents that happen prior to a school shooting are unreported."


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