By Steven Allen Adams, The Intelligencer
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – For the second time since taking office in 2017, Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for West Virginia’s prisons and regional jails, citing severe staffing shortages and laying the blame at the feet of lawmakers.
“Our jails are in a state of emergency at this point in time,” Justice said during a virtual briefing with reporters Thursday at the State Capitol Building. “Today, I am issuing a state of emergency to address critical staffing issues or shortages with our correctional facilities across West Virginia.”
Justice issued a proclamation for a state of emergency Thursday, ordering the West Virginia National Guard to assist with staffing needs across the state’s 11 prisons, 10 regional jails, 10 juvenile centers, and three work-release sites. The agreement between the National Guard and the Department of Homeland Security can last no more than one year, though it could be extended if staffing shortages continue…
To read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2022/08/west-virginia-division-of-corrections-staffing-at-crisis-point/
