FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2024

City Extends Morgantown Police Department’s Safe Streets Initiative

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is pleased to announce the continuation of the Morgantown Police Department’s (MPD) Safe Streets Initiative that officially launched on Aug. 9, 2024, at the request of Chief of Police Eric Powell. Based on recent data provided by officials, City Manager Kim Haws has approved an 8-week extension of the program.

As reported by Deputy Chief Chris Ruehmer, the Safe Streets Initiative concluded its initial 12-week period on Nov. 1, 2024. Over the three-month period, MPD officers made 42 arrests and issued 58 criminal citations. Additional reports verified that arrests were made for DUI, disorderly conduct, and possession.

What originally started out as an effort to connect citizens to help has also evolved into what officials consider a welcomed focus on public safety that increases law enforcement visibility and reduces petty crime in the downtown area, according to Ruehmer.

With the holidays quickly approaching and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, the Safe Streets Initiative intends to offer shoppers at downtown businesses an added sense of security. Charlie McEwuen, who founded Tanner’s Alley Leather 48 years ago, attributes the initiative’s results to increased patrolling efforts. McEwuen also serves as a member of the City of Morgantown’s Police Civil Service Commission.

“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 continued to emphasize that progress could be achieved by enhancing efforts to maintain a steady police presence, improve lighting, and promote overall cleanliness in the city. The city is currently addressing these focus areas with multiple departments and through partnerships with various organizations.

“I have definitely seen more officers downtown,” McEwuen stated. “If we increase public safety, everything will follow.”

The eight-week extension will provide additional MPD resources to the downtown area through the end of 2024.

“It’s important to note that this initiative did not take cops off other assignments or divert resources from other departments,” explained Ruehmer. “Considering the results, we see this as a great investment in public safety.”

Moving forward, Safe Streets will continue to operate using the same approach while providing foot patrols near trail and school access points. This style of patrol mirrors the work completed in recent months.

“We think it’s appropriate to say the Safe Streets Initiative has served our city well,” said Haws. “Ultimately, we want to make sure that we are creating the safest and healthiest community for our residents and visitors. I commend MPD’s leadership in this critical program to secure the safety of our downtown area.”

Haws continued to state that recent efforts by MPD are focused on connecting people to human resources as well.

“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,” said Haws. “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.”

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