About DJCS

The West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services – under the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety – serves as West Virginia’s criminal justice planning agency.  In 1966, the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction was created by executive order 7-A 66, and requested to develop a comprehensive plan that would direct efforts to improve the state’s criminal justice system.  As a result, the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services (DJCS) was created as the statewide planning agency dedicated to the improvement of the state’s criminal justice system.  DJCS acts as staff to the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction, and strives to reduce or prevent crime and improve public safety in West Virginia by coordinating the efforts and impact of the criminal justice system.

DJCS serves as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for grant funded programs provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as designated programs from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, other federal agencies as necessary, and the State of West Virginia.  The Division’s duties include, but are not limited to, assisting in the protection of the citizens of West Virginia through research and statistics; planning and coordination of services; training and certification of law enforcement officers; program development and implementation; and, administration of grant funded programs emphasizing safety, prevention, coordination and the general enhancement of the criminal justice system as a whole.

DJCS’ role in state government is unique in that our responsibilities bridge any gaps between federal, state, and local units of government, as well as private/non-profit organizations and the general public.  The Division is experienced in program administration that requires the coordination of all facets of the criminal and juvenile justice systems, including law enforcement, jails, courts, corrections, community supervision and victim services.  

Meet the Director - W. Richard Staton

The Division's location and contact information is as follows:

1124 Smith Street, Suite 3100
Charleston, West Virginia 25301-1323
Phone: (304) 558-8814
Fax: (304) 558-0391

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