The West Virginia University Police Department is committed to keeping each and every member of our campus community safe. And the WVU Public Safety Advisory Committee has been created to work alongside University Police to create a mutual understanding of police officers’ roles between University Police and our campus community.
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WVU Police Input FormThe Committee
The committee is designed to provide opportunities to enhance policing practices based on feedback gathered directly from community members. As part of these efforts, the committee will consistently review and update existing University Police policies in partnership with the University Police team to create a more inclusive and equitable place to learn, work and live.
The Committee’s Role
The West Virginia University Police Department is committed to keeping each and every member of our campus community safe. The WVU Public Safety Advisory Committee has been created to work alongside University Police to create a mutual understanding of police officers’ roles between University Police and our campus community.
The committee will serve as a liaison between University Police and the broader community on public safety concerns. Members will discuss concerns from the community and review complaints to ensure proper representation and create change as needed.
In addition, the committee will:
- review existing policies, procedures, trainings and material to work together on creating safe, diverse and inclusive strategies;
- analyze data and suggest changes to operations; and
- promote relationship building and public awareness between University Police and the campus community.
The Committee Members
The 2023 WVU Public Safety Advisory Committee members include:
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Deana Morrow | Director, School of Social Work |
| Stefanie Hines | Assistant Professor, Davis College Division of Forestry and Natural Resources |
| Camryn Pressley | Student, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences |
| Sohan Daniel | Student, College of Applied Human Sciences |
| William Blanks | Student, School of Medicine |
| Thea Brown | Administrative Assistant Senior, Libraries |
| Sarah Woodrum | Senior Associate Dean, School of Public Health |
| Amber Brugnoli | Associate Vice President, Global Affairs |
| Lesley Cottrell | Professor, School of Medicine |
| Richard Burks | NAACP Member |
| Perri Jo DeChristopher | Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney |
Members of the committee are appointed by – and report to – President Gee based on recommendations provided by various campus and community groups. Members have a passion for the safety of our community as well as an interest in the civil rights of all community groups.
Students will serve one-year terms. All other members will serve two-year terms. Individuals are eligible for appointment for up to three terms.
The committee shall comprise:
- nine students
- three members of University Administration
- three staff members
- three faculty members
- three members of the community
- one lawyer from the Office of General Counsel, who will serve as an ex officio, non-voting member; and
- various University Police members, who also will serve as non-voting members.