Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
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WHEREAS, there have been a number of recent incidents reported in the media involving young children being handcuffed by local law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, a five-year old kindergarten child was recently handcuffed by local police in St. Petersburg, Florida and placed in a patrol cruiser, and a first grader from West Virginia and a fourth grader from Philadelphia were also recently handcuffed by local authorities following discipline problems at their local schools; and
WHEREAS, City Council recognizes that children can be disruptive, and wholeheartedly support school officials in their role to provide structured discipline, however, Council also recognizes that young children, even disruptive children, need to be handled with care; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby directs the Chief of the Bureau of Police to immediately begin a review of local policy and national best practices and report back to Council within 60 to 90 days, regarding restraint and arrest of children under 10 years of age.