Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
Title
Resolution amending Resolution 251 of 2002 entitled "Resolution amending Bill No. 278 of 2002 authorizing the expenditure of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) in order for the Office of the Mayor and the Director of Public Safety to retain the services of a qualified, independent consultant to conduct a review of police procedures relating to the incident at 7200 Hermitage Street on February 20, 2002, so as to provide the necessary funding at a cost not to exceed $25,000.00", by changing the managing departments from the Mayor's Office and Director of Public Safety to the Citizens Police Review Board, adjusting certain wording and providing funding for consultants at a cost not to exceed $25,000.00.
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the city to be assured that all reasonable steps are taken to insure the safety of its citizens and police officers; and,
WHEREAS, on February 20, 2002, at 7200 Hermitage Street, a Pittsburgh police officer was wounded during an incident wherein police were attempting to take a wanted criminal into custody; and,
WHEREAS, an independent review of this incident by a qualified consultant would be of benefit to the administration of the city and, in particular, the officers of the Bureau of Police; and,
WHEREAS, an independent review of the Hermitage Street and the Lowrie Street and Sheraden Street incidents described below would also be of benefit to the taxpayers of the City of Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, the Acting Chief of the Pittsburgh Police has said that no such independent review is needed and that none will be conducted.
Now, therefore be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. Resolution 251 of 2002 is hereby amended as follows "Resolution amending Bill No. 278 of 2002 authorizing the expenditure of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) in order for the Mayor and Director of the Public Safety Council of the City of Pittsburgh to obtain an independent review of the aforementioned incidents the Executive Director of the Citizens Police Review Board Director of Public Safety is authorized to retain the services of a qualified, independent consultant, provided by the National Tactical Officers Association, to conduct a review of the following police incidents of :
February 20, 2002, at 7200 Hermitage Street.
March 14, 2002, at 1717 Lowrie Street; and,
March 7, 2002 at 2950 Sheraden Street
This independent review is being conducted in accordance with the investigative powers of City Council as per Article 3, Section §310 and §312 of the City Charter.
The purpose of this independent review is to provide the Bureau of Police and the city's public safety administration with the necessary analysis and insight that will lead to further enhancement of the city's efforts to continuously improve the safety of its police officers and citizens.
Representatives from the Administration, the Bureau of Police and the Public Safety Administration shall participate in the investigative portion of this review by appearing at meetings and providing relevant information in an expeditious manner as requested by the Executive Director of the Citizens Police Review Board, the National Tactical Officers Association and/or City Council.
A representative for the Civilian Review Board will participate as an observer in the review.
A copy of the final report shall be provided to the Chief of Police, Members of City Council, and the Civilian Review Board.
The Director of Public Safety Executive Director of the Citizens Police Review Board is encouraged by the Council to act expeditiously in this matter so that any benefits derived from this review are not unduly delayed.
Section 2. The administration Executive Director of the Citizens Police Review Board is authorized to expend up to Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for this study from code account 511000, Fund 1000, Org 230000, Subclass 010, Budget Year 2002.