PITTSBURGH — In Observatory Hill, neighbors talked to the Gainey administration about what they want in a new police chief. They split up into small groups at the Perry Traditional Academy.
“I want somebody smart and a good leader,” one participant said. “I don’t want someone coming to breakfasts. You are managing a giant workforce of people carrying guns fighting people who have guns.”
But they all had different ideas on what qualities the new chief needs to possess. The conversations then spilled over into what they want from Pittsburgh Police.
“All those things were done with good intent to try and get better quality people. But once you get the badge and gun, what happens? That goes back to personality,” another attendee noted.
“I think the goal is to get people back on the street and walking the neighborhoods,” one person said. “I would like to see faces. I’d like to see faces.”
Mayor Gainey says with the recent shootings and violence like Friday’s shooting outside a funeral in Brighton Heights that injured 6 people, they have to bring the right person in.
“It’s extremely important,” Gainey said. “This is what it’s about, making sure we have a Chief that understands what’s going on in the city and also has a track record to be able to work in some areas that have been difficult.”
There will be two more sessions where you will be able to give your input on the next police chief for the Pittsburgh Police Department. Mayor Gainey hopes to have a new Chief by the end of the year.
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