The West Virginia NAACP Criminal Justice Committee met Tuesday, Apr. 1, by zoom. WV NAACP president Loretta Young told the group about reported beatings, lengthy solitary confinement and suicide deaths in West Virginia jails and prisons.
“We need assurance that these situations are investigated and prevented to the greatest extent possible,” she said. “Public safety is not enhanced by inhuman treatment when 95% of inmates will eventually return to our communities,” she concluded.
The committee also heard reports about the number of bills in the Legislature seeking to increase penalties. Instead the committee wants increased rehabilitation and reentry programs to prepare returning citizens for a successful and productive re-introduction to our communities. Last month Morgantown Civilian Police Review Board Chairperson reported on efforts to standardize the handling of body camera video.
Members from Jefferson County, Kanawha County, and Greenbrier County attended the meeting.
Contact: Robert Graf (robertwv@gmail.com)
