PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could finally decide whether Pittsburgh police must live within the city limits.
For years, Pittsburgh police officers have been fighting for the right to live where they want. In 2012, a change in state law gave them that right, but since then, a roller coaster ride of rulings for and against them have been issued.
With the state Supreme Court now set to hear the case, Bob Swartzwelder, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said he’s optimistic that the court will settle the issue once and for all in favor of the officers.
“I have full confidence that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will decide on behalf of the FOP, and that in a short time, police officers will have the choice of where they want to live,” he told Channel 11 News.
Officers have complained that the residency requirement is too restrictive and limits where they can send their children to school, adding that eliminating the requirement would attract more applicants.
Supporters of the requirement contend that officers should live and work in the communities that they serve.
Three years ago, city voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum requiring officers to live in the city, but the police union argues that the referendum doesn’t override state law.
A spokesman for Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s Office said they look forward to defending the case before the state Supreme Court.
Cox Media Group
