MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The City of Morgantown has announced an eight-week extension of the Morgantown Police Department’s (MPD) Safe Streets Initiative.
The program, which began on August 9, 2024, at the request of Chief of Police Eric Powell, was approved for continuation by City Manager Kim Haws following its initial 12-week run.
The initiative, which concluded its first phase on November 1, 2024, has been deemed a success by city officials.
Over the three-month period, MPD officers made 42 arrests and issued 58 criminal citations, including charges for DUI, disorderly conduct, and possession, according to Deputy Chief Chris Ruehmer.
Initially launched as a way to connect citizens with needed resources, the program has also become a key effort to enhance public safety by increasing law enforcement visibility and reducing petty crime in Morgantown’s downtown area.
With the holiday season approaching and events like Small Business Saturday on November 30, the extension aims to ensure shoppers and residents feel secure.
Charlie McEwuen, owner of Tanner’s Alley Leather and a member of the City of Morgantown’s Police Civil Service Commission, praised the initiative’s impact.
“I think it’s a great start,” said McEwuen. “Seeing officers patrol the downtown area has certainly helped, but we need more. We need to be at a level where we see officers daily. The perception of safety is the biggest thing.”
McEwuen also highlighted the importance of improving lighting and cleanliness in the city, efforts that are being addressed through partnerships between city departments and local organizations.
“I have definitely seen more officers downtown,” McEwuen added. “If we increase public safety, everything will follow.”
The extension of the program will provide additional police resources downtown through the end of 2024.
Deputy Chief Ruehmer emphasized that the initiative has not taken officers away from other assignments or diverted resources from other departments.
“Considering the results, we see this as a great investment in public safety,” Ruehmer said.
The program will continue to include foot patrols near trails and school access points, mirroring the strategies implemented during its first phase.
City Manager Kim Haws praised the MPD’s efforts, calling the Safe Streets Initiative a critical step toward making Morgantown a safer and healthier community for residents and visitors alike.
“We want to make sure that we are creating the safest and healthiest community for our residents and visitors,” Haws said. “I commend MPD’s leadership in this critical program to secure the safety of our downtown area.”
Haws also noted that the initiative remains focused on connecting individuals to essential resources.
“We have people in our community who need our help, and connecting them to the right resources will always be one of our top priorities,” Haws said.
“It’s extremely common to see one of our officers speaking with someone who needs a bus pass, access to shelter, or a hot meal. I think this clearly illustrates what it means to protect and serve.”
The Safe Streets Initiative will continue through the remainder of 2024, building on its early success to enhance safety and support within the Morgantown community.
