It’s been recently reported that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Pittsburgh police officers no longer have to live within the city limits.
“Say it isn’t so.”
I read on CBSlocal.com that the state’s highest court ruled unanimously on May 22 in favor of the police union, which argued that the option of living outside the city would give officers more choices in schools and housing. It has been a requirement since 1902 that Pittsburgh police officers have to live in the city.
Several years ago city voters made this mandate a permanent part of Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter. Mayor Bill Peduto said on the record that police officers should live in the city they serve. I took a survey among a few of my friends and coworkers and they agree that the city officers should live in the city in which they serve.
Why would you want to be a police officer in the city of Pittsburgh and you know there is a requirement that you must live there, but you fight to live outside of the city limits? Your mission should be to make the city where you are an officer of the law a better place for all people to live. I think the city of Pittsburgh is a great place and there are a lot of great neighborhoods to select from. It would be advantageous for the police officers to live in the city, learn more about the city, appreciate the city and get to “know” the residents. I have read stories about officers who live in their community and ones who build relationships with the youth, it makes for a good situation for all.
If the officers elect to live outside the Pittsburgh city limits, I believe the “us vs. them” situation will continue to grow. There will be an increased lack of trust and respect of the officers and I truly believe that the attitude of the officers will change. They will be coming into neighborhoods that they know they do not have to stay in any longer than their shift, and as soon as the shift is over they’ll be heading back to “their neighborhoods.”
I remember a police officer from my elementary school days. He made friends with the kids near the school and was stern but friendly. We called him “Popeye” and he was tall and thin and twirled his Billy Club. In those days we looked up to police officers and when we saw them coming we knew to stand tall and not get caught doing anything bad. When I read that better schools and better living choices were the primary reasons why the officers should be able to live outside the city, I was insulted. I no longer live in the city but I still own property in Pittsburgh and I’m proud of it. There are wonderful neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and good schools, also. I would like to see teachers and police officers live in the city in which they work. I think it would make a huge difference.
(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)
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