Title
Resolution establishing the STOP the Violence Initiative to reduce both police officer-related violence and proximity-related violence in the City of Pittsburgh.
Body
Whereas, the ability of public safety officials to effectively perform their duties is dependent upon the public’s approval of their actions; and,
Whereas, partnerships between communities and public safety officials can increase community confidence; and,
Whereas, STOP stands for the following: Standard operating procedures, Training of Police Officers, Outreach to At-Risk communities and Policies, programs and public safety practices
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1: The City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Initiative is hereby established.
(a.) Legislative Findings and Intent. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby find that one of the most effective ways to reduce police officer-related violence and proximity-related violence is by enhancing public confidence in the activities of the City’s public safety organizations. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh also declares this Initiative and its related activities a public use and purpose and an essential government function for which public moneys may be spent, and that this Initiative is necessary in the public interest.
(b.) Governance. The STOP the Violence Initiative shall be governed by a Steering Committee. The Steering Committee shall meet monthly, and be composed of the following members:
1. City of Pittsburgh, Office of the Mayor;
2. Council of the City of Pittsburgh;
3. City of Pittsburgh, Department of Public Safety;
4. City of Pittsburgh, Bureau of Police;
5. County of Allegheny, Department of Health
6. Other local, county, state and federal government representatives as needed
(c.) Community Outreach and Participation. The STOP the Violence Initiative shall establish a Community Roundtable advisory group. The Community roundtable will meet quarterly and be comprised of representatives from community organizations that are involved in violence prevention activities.
(d.) Mission. The STOP the Violence Initiative will work to reduce police officer-related violence and proximity-related violence by:
1. Coordinating with federal, state and local officials and stakeholders to establish laws that lead to greater community trust in local policing and public safety practices;
2. Coordination of ongoing dialogue that educates, informs and empowers residents within the community on issues related to both police-related and proximity-related gun violence;
3. Utilize all available resources, to create a Pittsburgh Police-Involved Shooting and In-custody Deaths Protocol;
1. 4. Coordinating all City activities and resources related to violence prevention;
2. 5. Establishing dedicated funding sources for the City’s violence-prevention programs and activities;
3. 6. Establishing and maintaining transparent and proactive strategies and communications;
4. 7. Establishing a Community Roundtable Advisory Committee, which shall meet quarterly, to maintain effective community engagement in all City activities related to violence prevention;