WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 15, 2018 — West Liberty University alumna Jessica Griffith made the news this week when she was selected to lead the West Virginia Intelligence Fusion Center, an agency brought to the state after 9/11 to gather information and combat all forms of crime.
A former State Police intelligence analyst, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice at WLU and earned a Master of Science degree in criminal justice from Fairmont State University.
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Keith Bell, who has been with WLU since 2011, is a fusion liaison officer and has served in this capacity since 2013.
“There are six regions in Fusion and we are in two. Our job is to report on any crime statistics, crisis information and work toward crisis intervention,” he said. “I see Jessica at our quarterly meetings that take place at WLU’s Highlands Center.”
A 2006 graduate, Griffith also was a cheerleader and tennis player for the Hilltoppers.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be selected to serve in this capacity,” Griffith said. “My goal is to strengthen partnerships with those agencies who may be underutilizing our services, and educate those who are unaware of our resources and capabilities so that we are able to better assist in helping to protect West Virginians.”
Griffith has been a major part of the Fusion Center’s success. Perhaps her key contribution has been to develop West Virginia’s Fusion Liaison Officer (FLO) program. FLOs embrace the “See Something, Say Something” concept. The program provides a platform for law enforcement, first responders, and others in both the public and private sectors to strengthen information sharing.
The West Virginia FLO program has been recognized both locally and nationally for assisting the response to numerous recent natural disasters. Griffith was honored in 2016 for her outreach efforts and dedication to working with private sector partners, receiving the Partnership Award from the West Virginia International Association of Special Investigation Units.
Griffith established the FLO program following her 2011 hiring as Homeland Security Manager. She has also served as Supervisory Analyst and FLO Coordinator. Griffith previously worked for the West Virginia State Police as an Intelligence Analyst. Griffith is also a graduate of the Fusion Center Leaders Program.
“My father had a very successful career in law enforcement and criminal investigations. His drive and determination to protect the citizens of this great state inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” Griffith said. “I feel fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to continue working in a field about which I feel so passionately.”
Watching the events of 9/11 unfold on television, meanwhile, instilled in Griffith a resolve “to help protect the United States from future terrorist attacks.” As Director, Griffith said she will seek to expand awareness about Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) tools available to everyday citizens, “since the West Virginia Intelligence/Fusion Center is the repository for SARs in the state.”
Griffith is just the second director of the W.Va. Intelligence Fusion Center since its founding, 10 years ago next month. She succeeds Thom Kirk, who remains the deputy secretary and general counsel for Military Affairs and Public Safety. The Fusion Center is overseen by the Cabinet Department’s Office of the Secretary.
“For nearly a decade, the West Virginia Fusion Center has received countless awards and accolades from across the world, and its work in West Virginia behind-the-scenes has been stellar,” said Secretary Sandy. “I am confident that Ms. Griffith, as the new director of the Fusion Center, will continue the tradition of assisting all West Virginia and our nation’s law enforcement officers.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Information based on West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety’s Press Release.