SPONSORED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS REV. RICKY V. BURGESS, THERESA KAIL-SMITH, BRUCE A. KRAUS, AND R. DANIEL LAVELLE
Title
Resolution establishing the Safer Together Pittsburgh Committee to create a stronger, more productive relationship between the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety and the Community.
Body
Whereas, the ability of public safety officials to effectively perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of their actions; and,
Whereas, community-public safety partnerships can increase community confidence; and,
Whereas, effective public safety strategies including community policing promote community-public safety partnerships; and,
Whereas, community-public safety partnerships help create an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and cooperation; and,
Whereas, community-public safety partnerships lead to increased public safety; and,
Whereas, community-public safety partnerships can assist in achieving the goal of more diversity in public safety; and,
Whereas, community-public safety partnerships can increase the public's understanding of Department of Public Safety Policies and Procedures; and,
Whereas, community-public safety partnerships can promote activities and projects that establish positive and healthy encounters.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1: Safer Together Pittsburgh is hereby established.
(a.) Safer Together Pittsburgh is hereby established. It shall serve as an advisory body to the Director of Public Safety on issues of concern to the community.
(b.) Legislative Findings and Intent. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh finds that the best way to improve public safety is to increase community confidence in the Department of Public Safety. Safer Together Pittsburgh’s Community Partnership will serve a public purpose to increase community confidence in the Department of Public Safety.
(c.) Mission. Safer Together Pittsburgh shall endeavor to help build relationships of respect, cooperation and trust within and between the Department of Public Safety and the community; advocate for improved education, oversight, monitoring, diversity hiring practices and accountability within the Department of Public Safety; work to promote fair, equitable and courteous treatment for all Department of Public Safety representatives and members of the public at all times; increase the public’s understanding of Department of Public Safety policies and procedures and recognize exceptional service by our public safety bureaus; and facilitate community activities and projects that establish positive and healthy encounters between public safety officials and residents.
(d.) Organization.
1. The Steering Committee of the Partnership is to be appointed by the Leadership Team, and it shall be comprised of fifteen (15) members and shall consist of representatives of the following, who shall be residents of the City:
i. Permanent Members
1. Mayor’s Office Representative;
2. Council Representative;
3. Department of Public Safety Representative;
4. Citizen Police Review Board Representative;
5. Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Representative;
6. School District of Pittsburgh Representative;
7. Representative of Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime
ii. Mayoral Appointees
1. Legal Community Representative;
2. University Community Representative;
3. Business Community Representative
iii. Council Appointees
1. Three (3) Representatives from community-based and/or faith-based organization
iv. Additional Appointments
1. The Mayor, at his/her discretion, may appoint up to two (2) additional members.
2. Community Partners. Any organization that chooses to participate in the Partnership to carry out Partnership-related activities.