BREAKING: Mayor Bill Peduto tells Pittsburgh's Action News 4 there will be "changes" to police command and "It's going to involve higher-ups". He says he was angry with the protester arrest on Saturday, and angrier when police got into confrontation with protesters Wednesday.
Peduto said he had a conversation with Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) on Sunday and expressed his anger. Then Wednesday happened.
I asked if police recognized something needed to change.
"Apparently not," Peduto answered.
Peduto called SERT actions "inappropriate" and says it damaged long-term police/community relations.
Peduto said police wouldn't necessarily lose their jobs, but indicated there would be changes to the command. He said he wouldn't wait for an official report about the incident Wednesday. Added the changes could be announced as soon as today.
“Wednesday night we had the opportunity to take the higher road. And to allow the protesters to my home, and instead, the front page of the Washington Post today is about protesters getting tear gassed by Pittsburgh Police.”
washingtonpost.com/national/polic…
My colleague @VanOsdol_WTAE tried to get a comment from Chief Schubert, but the Chief didn't answer Paul's questions.
We're continuing to work this story.
Stay here for more.
#WTAE
INBOX: Statement from Peduto attached.
Long and short:
There will be a new incident commander for protests.
Civil Affairs and Public Safety Community Engagement will monitor alongside police.
New oversight mechanisms for SRT team.
All police units won't wear camo gear anymore
Peduto says he's working with Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich and Chief Scott Schubert to expand role of community engagement office and police recruiting, all in the name of rebuilding community trust.
#WTAE
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