PITTSBURGH — 11 Investigates has confirmed that Pittsburgh Police Commander Matt Lackner has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the results of an internal investigation.
Chief Investigative Reporter Rick Earle has learned that Lackner is accused of allegedly placing an undercover body camera in a police car and recording officers without their permission.
WPXI legal analyst Phil DiLucente said it could be a violation of the state wiretap laws.
“In the state of Pennsylvania, it’s illegal without the consent of the other party to record them. We are one of the few states left in the country, but if someone violates it, it’s a criminal act,” said DiLucente.
Multiple sources told Earle that Lackner allegedly used the body camera to record multiple officers in multiple police cars.
Sources said a detective discovered the body camera hidden in one of the cars and reported it to supervisors.
It’s unclear why the camera was in the police car.
Lackner, who has been on the force for more than 25 years, is the same officer who busted two Pittsburgh bicycle officers for falsifying time cards by setting up an undercover surveillance operation at the officers’ homes.
11 Investigates broke that story last year.
Two officers were ultimately fired and another was disciplined in that bicycle time card investigation.
While an internal investigation is underway, sources said the chief may refer this case to an outside law enforcement agency for investigation.
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