Sen. Casey, Pittsburgh leaders seek funds to create regionalized system to track terror threats

PITTSBURGH — U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Pittsburgh leaders are pushing for more funding for technology that would help police departments share information about who or what they’re monitoring, including terrorism threats. The plan’s aim is to prevent homegrown terrorists.

A September report from the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security found 250 Americans have traveled to Syria to join ISIS since 2011.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay said his focus is on the influence ISIS training grounds in Syria could have locally.

"Without a doubt, the greatest threat to the safety of this community and communities throughout the country is homegrown, radicalized individuals,” McLay said.

Casey met with McLay, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald Friday to find out what’s needed to keep western Pennsylvania safe from terrorism. They all agree more funding and support from the federal government is key.

“A federal program incentivizes us to work together to create a regional training center,” Peduto said.

The goal is to have a system to easily share information between police agencies.

McLay said good partnerships exist but a regionalized system is needed.

“There are some individuals who may be potential terror threats who might be on my radar that might not be on the radar of Wilkinsburg even though we could throw a rock into their jurisdiction,” McLay said.

Casey is pushing Congress to create a grant so local police get the money they need, but he admits it’s a long shot to happen before the general election in November.

"This city and this region could be a model for broad based training, for new technology platforms for preventing terrorism. But we've got to help them,” Casey said.

McLay didn’t have an estimate on how much money would be needed to create the regionalized system, but Casey said it’s in the millions.

Cox Media Group