MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Wheeling-based attorney representing a North Panhandle police organization said Morgantown needs to act on concerns related to a proposed police review board.
The Monongalia and Preston counties Fraternal Order of Police chapter retained Teresa Toriseva as legal counsel in challenging the board, which the group and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey have questioned.
According to Toriseva, members sought an opinion from Morrisey on the proposal, to which the attorney general responded by mentioning possible legal conflicts with the commission’s ability to handle officer discipline.
“We are now at a point where what is being proposed isn’t just mildly offensive; it’s grossly illegal,” Toriseva told MetroNews affiliate WAJR-AM.
Morgantown City Council members received the letter in September, but work on the committee continued.
“It was kind of clear to us that something was coming out of this process,” Toriseva said. “We tried to wait to see what came out and weigh in at a time that was appropriate rather than spend six months arguing.”
Toriseva also noted if legal action against the committee is taken, courts will rule in the organization’s favor.
“Anything that touches upon anything in the Civil Service Act is not within the purview of city council to legislate or regulate,” she added.
Morgantown Deputy Mayor Rachel Fetty told WAJR-AM she was upset Fraternal Order of Police members did not provide input on improving transparency.
Officials said Morrisey will be allowed to review an updated proposal on the committee.