Civilian Police Review & Advisory Board

MEETING MINUTES CIVILIAN POLICE REVIEW AND ADVISORY BOARD COMMUNITY OUREACH COMMITTEE November 3, 2023 – 12 pm Virtual Meeting Members present: Megan Gandy, Rich Burks, Rachel Fetty, Bob Cohen Also present: Julie White, Darnelle Jackson, Conner O’Brien, Keegan Bells Call to Order: 12:05 pm It was felt important to let community organizations know that the Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board (CPRAB) is up and running. It was decided that the Community Outreach Committee will create a brochure for the Board to explain its purpose, duties and limitations, so as to generate a greater understanding of the Board in the community. Rachel volunteered to begin drafting the brochure, and Megan will work on graphics for the brochure. It was decided to have a “meet and greet” with the public in January. The Morgantown Public Library was thought to be a good place for the event, and it was decided to have it starting at 6 pm on a weeknight. Rachel will put together an outreach budget for presentation to City Council (along with a training budget). An alternate date will be picked in case of bad weather. Bob will contact Sarah Cranston Palfrey, Director of the Library to check on the Library’s availability and possible dates. It is anticipated that a flyer will be prepared to publicize the “meet and greet”. About 15-20 minutes into the meeting, there was an interruption by four individuals identified on Zoom as Julie White, Darnelle Jackson, Conner O’Brien and Keegan Bells. The interruption was characterized as hate speech directed toward Board members including anti-semitic and racist remarks. Megan attempted to restore order, but the interruption continued. Megan put them on mute, but they un-muted themselves and continued talking. Eventually, Megan put the four individuals into the Zoom waiting room in order to restore order. They left the meeting room before they could be invited back into the meeting. It was decided to report the incident to the City Clerk. Rich and Bob will plan the format for the “meet and greet”. It will emphasize asking the public for their views on policing in Morgantown, as well as explaining the purposes and functioning of CPRAB. The goal will be to increase community involvement in public safety. Megan described a community survey on policing in Morgantown which she wants to initiate. It was decided to consult with community groups, and also with Prof. James Nolan, to develop the survey.  Goals for community outreach by CPRAB in 2024 were discussed. The following goals were identified: 1. Doing a community survey 2. Networking with neighborhood groups, including having a representative of the Board at neighborhood meetings on a regular basis 3. Having a presence at one citywide community event each season. The meeting was adjourned at 12:57 pm. All decisions were made by unanimous consensus. Minutes prepared by Bob Cohen