Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATION
Title
Resolution authorizing the expenditure of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) in order for the Director of the Citizens Police Review Board to retain the services of a qualified, independent consultant to conduct a review of efficient SWAT police procedures, hostage, barricade and critical incident management, including 7200 Hermitage Street and any other incident that may illuminate City policy and practice relating to including 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
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 SWAT police procedures, including this incident, the above-mentioned critical incident situations 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 this independent review 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.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. Authorizing The expenditure of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) is authorized in order for the Council of the City of Pittsburgh to obtain an independent review of the aforementioned incidents; the Executive Director of the Citizens Police Review Board 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 : efficient SWAT police procedures, including the
February 20, 2002, at 7200 Hermitage Street incident and any incident that may illuminate City policy and practice.
March 14, 2002, at 1717 Lowrie Street; and,
March 7, 2002 at 2950 Sheraden Boulevard; and,
May 8, 2003 at 804 Hillsboro 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 copy of the final report shall be provided to the Chief of Police, Members of City Council, and the Citizens Police Review Board.
The 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 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 526100, Fund 1000, Org 999900, Subclass 150, and Budget year 2002.