Glenville State College students in criminal justice will be training alongside others preparing to work in West Virginia's prisons and regional jails at a new facility in Gilmer County.

The Morris Criminal Justice Training Center in Glenville was officially dedicated on Monday afternoon with the help of Governor Joe Manchin, Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety Secretary James Spears and Glenville State President Peter Barr.

"Bringing this type of training facility to Glenville is a tremendous benefit," Barr told MetroNews on Monday.  Students will be able "to actually train with practitioners and, not only get the theoretical knowledge in the classroom, but to come out with the practical experience and the certifications."

The facility is the result of a joint partnership between Glenville State and the state Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety.

Ike and Sue Morris of Glenville were part of the effort to convert an old shoe factory into the training site for those who will someday work in jails, prisons and juvenile services.