MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia and Preston counties Fraternal Order of Police chapter have retained legal counsel to challenge the existence of a citizens police review commission in Morgantown.
The union hired Teresa Toriseva as its legal representative. Toriseva, a partner at Toriseva Law, argues the commission violates state law and encroaches on the duties of the existing civil service commission.
State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has argued the review committee would violate state code on disciplining and terminating police officers.
Morgantown Mayor Rachel Fetty said city officials are exploring options to accommodate requests and change the review commission if necessary.
“I welcome communications from everyone, including the Fraternal Order of Police,” she said. “It is disappointing to have provided a very transparent and open process and receive so little feedback from the Fraternal Order of Police or MPD.”
Mollie Kennedy, the community outreach director of the ACLU’S West Virginia chapter, said the Morgantown Police Department and police union need to publicly express concerns about the review commission rather than threaten legal options.
“It’s a shame they are working so hard to stifle some of the most marginalized voices in this community when those voices are simply asking for more information, more transparency and a chance for the public to express concerns and ideas to the police,” she said.