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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