West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey visited Gihon Elementary School in Parkersburg on Tuesday to hold a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 2802, a new law aimed at increasing the presence of law enforcement officers in public schools across the state.
The legislation allows law enforcement officers to count time spent in schools toward their required 16 hours of annual training. By encouraging officers to engage with students, faculty, and staff, the bill seeks to enhance both school safety and community relationships.
Around 16 uniformed officers from multiple departments — including the Parkersburg Police Department, Wood County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police, and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department — attended the ceremony, along with several state and local officials.
The bill is part of a broader effort to strengthen school security by fostering relationships between officers and school communities while improving officer preparedness in case of emergencies. The initiative also supports school mapping projects and policies such as limiting cellphone use in classrooms.
Delegate Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, a primary sponsor of the bill and former police officer, emphasized the value of community policing and the benefit of officers becoming familiar with school layouts. He noted that the bill not only supports officer training but also positions them to respond more effectively in crisis situations.
Governor Morrisey framed the legislation as a proactive approach to school safety and law enforcement support, signaling a strong commitment to protecting students and maintaining community trust.
