CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Charleston Police Department held its first West Side neighborhood meeting Thursday under Police Chief Steve Cooper, who was sworn into office on Sept. 3.
Cooper began his police career as a patrol officer serving the West Side for four years. He said during that time, he was able to make connections and develop relationships to help him better understand community concerns.
“I’m comfortable in this atmosphere and glad to meet with the good people of the West Side and listening to their concerns,” Cooper said.
Around 80 people attended the meeting at Stonewall Jackson Middle School to share concerns about problems in the area.
Since the last meeting on June 29, a California man, Carl Magee II, was arrested after setting a woman on fire and the Park Place bar was closed following a police operation. Authorities said that was a focal point for crime in the neighborhood.
Cooper said police are focused on addressing an increasing prostituion issue by going after those willing to purchase services rather than the prostitutes themselves.