Morgantown to implement alternative sentencing program for camping ban
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — Morgantown's camping ban has been a hot topic among the community over the past few months, as concerned citizens feared the policy would hinder its homeless population rather than help it. However, the city has announced that it will be taking a different approach to those who violate the ban.
In a press release earlier this week, the City of Morgantown announced that it would implement an alternative sentencing for those who violate its camping ban. This comes after the vote to repeal Morgantown's camping ban failed in this year's municipal election.
The sentencing comes to fruition through a partnership with Valley HeathCare Systems, which has seen its LEAD Program reach a 60% success rate in its first year.
The press release outlined the specifics of the sentencing under the ordinance:
A first violation results in a written warning and information about available shelter and services, both locally and regionally.
A second violation may result in a fine of up to $200 and information about available shelter and services.
A third violation within 12 months may result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail, along with information about available shelter and services and alternative sentencing options.
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12 News spoke with Morgantown's Director of Public Relations and Communications, Brad Riffee, on why the city chose to create this sort of sentencing.
'There's a balance between compliance and compassion, right? We want to make sure that we're offering the best solutions to meet the needs for our citizens, and we believe that at the end of the day, that's a very important part of how we engage and operate in the community,' Riffee said.
12 News also spoke with Steve Bennett, Director of LEAD and Crisis Services within Valley HealthCare, about what the program offers those who volunteer for it.
'Anyone who is seeking diversion voluntarily that might want treatment for substance use, mental health, or any other case management services can ask for services through us, we can help them, hook them up with the right program, and get them the help that they need,' Bennett said.
The alternative sentencing partnership will begin on June 4, 2025. You can read more about the sentencing in Morgantown's press release.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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