MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board will hold a public forum on Thursday, Feb 8. The event will be held at the Morgantown Public Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Board member Bob Cohen encourages the public to come on board to learn more about the organization and even consider serving. Cohen said there will be information about the board’s make-up and mission, as well as highlights of what they’ve done and plan to do in the coming year.
“We’ll have a panel presentation in four parts to talk about the history of the board, the powers of the board, give a report on what we did in 2023, and what we have planned for 2024,” Cohen said.
Attendees will have the option to complete a basic survey. Cohen said the answers to those questions will help them make future decisions regarding board activities and priorities.
“We’re going to pass out a survey people can fill out if they see fit to do so; it’s completely voluntary,” Cohen said. “It’s a way for us to get input, and it is anonymous.”
There are two vacant spots on the nine-member board that city officials hope to fill. Cohen hopes to find potential board members among community members who want to learn more about the local police department and bring their experience.
“Learn insight into how the Morgantown Police Department works and a sense of contributing to a safer community,” Cohen said.
Cohen said all participants will be asked three basic questions about the local police department. The answers to those questions will add to the debate expected in the forum.
“What does the Morgantown Police Department do well? What does the Morgantown Police Department not do so well, and what do they think the police department could do to improve?” Cohen said they would ask.
On Feb. 29, members of the board will hold their first case review of a police response in Morgantown. The incident to be reviewed is from an investigation into an incident at the Sheetz location on University Avenue in downtown.
“This is a civilian board, and we have to learn how the police department works, and at the same time, I think we can give some input and suggestions on things they may be able to do better,” Cohen said.