Today, the Morgantown Police Department announced the completion of Strangulation Investigation Training as part of the Alliance For Hope International Partnership conducted by the Training Institute for Strangulation Prevention. The State of West Virginia enacted the Strangulation Law (WV Code 61-2-9(d)) due to the lethality of the crime. The Morgantown Police Department and the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC) have been committed to the prevention, detection and prosecution of these types of domestic violence crimes and this latest training is a part of that ongoing dedication to the victims of domestic violence.
On Aug. 13, 2015, the Morgantown Police Department and RDVIC teamed up to patrol the Red Zone in a combined effort to minimize sexual assault and domestic violence Incidents and its effects to the victims. The Red Zone was identified as the peak time for sexual assaults, which is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.
On April 5, 2017, the Morgantown Police Department, RDVIC and a host of community advocates and concerned citizens unveiled the Soft Interview Room that is housed in the Morgantown Police Department.
Additionally, advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the RDVIC hotline 304-292-5100. All discussions are kept completely confidential.
This latest training will assist officers in obtaining better evidence and comprehensive documentation to assist prosecutors in the preparation of criminal cases against defendants in these types of incidents.
The Morgantown Police Department is committed to its goal of eliminating criminal activity in our city. Citizens are encouraged to become a “Partner in Policing”, by reporting suspected criminal activity to Morgantown Police Department Switchboard at 304-284-7522. If you need immediate Police attention or a crime is in progress call 911.