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Council tables police–social‑worker MOU after debate over full‑time role and responsibilities
Summary
Council reviewed a draft memorandum of understanding with the Martinsburg initiative for a police–social‑worker position; members debated whether the role should be full time with the police department or shared with schools and voted to table the draft pending further input.
Council considered a draft memorandum of understanding to partner with the Martinsburg initiative on a police–social‑worker position that would provide follow‑up services for at‑risk individuals and support school referrals. Members debated staffing levels, whether the position should be full time with Charles Town Police Department (CTPD) or shared with the school board, transportation responsibilities, and subpoena/testimony expectations.
Council discussion highlighted split preferences: several members said they wanted the position to be full time with CTPD, while others suggested starting as a 0.5‑time shared role. One councilor asked for the draft to be sent to the Martinsburg initiative for clarification; the council voted to table the item and send the document for review. As one councilor summarized the council's direction: "We would like it full time from the police department," while others flagged the need to clarify whether the initiative or the city would hire and supervise the position and how funding would be split.
The motion to table passed on a voice vote; staff will forward the draft MOU to the Martinsburg initiative and return with a revised document that addresses supervision, funding split and transportation provisions.
