Human Rights Commission member says camping‑ban enforcement produced warnings and two citations; no arrests reported

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — During the public-comment period Tuesday, Annie Cronin York, a member of the Morgantown Human Rights Commission, reported enforcement statistics for the city’s camping ban and urged transparency about treatment of people experiencing homelessness.

Cronin York said that as of 9:45 a.m. the morning of the meeting, Morgantown Police Department had issued 11 written warnings and two citations related to the camping ban. She said no one had accepted offers of shelter or services from officers or the social worker assigned to outreach. Of the two cited people, Cronin York said one pled guilty in court and the other failed to appear and left the jurisdiction; she added that the two citations account for four of the 11 written warnings. Cronin York said the police department has not charged anyone with a third offense and that no one has been physically arrested under the ordinance.

Cronin York urged council to ensure that future ordinance changes preserve due process and public input. She also said that she understood council was considering changes to the ordinance and asked that any changes be discussed openly and allow input from all sides.

Council did not take immediate action during the meeting on the camping ban; the report was provided as public comment and used to inform council members and the public.