Changes proposed to city’s ‘stop-and-frisk’ policy including reason why, recording on body camera

PITTSBURGH — It’s a controversial police practice that some say disproportionately affects black people in Pittsburgh and now a city councilman says it’s time to make some changes to the city’s stop-and-frisk policy.

Councilman Ricky Burgess says 70 percent of all stop-and-frisks in the city are used on black people, who only make up 23 percent of Pittsburgh’s population.

“It becomes very clear it’s used almost exclusively for African Americans,” Burgess tells Channel 11. “That has a chilling effect, a negative effect on the black community. It makes them feel they’re racially profiled and targeted.”

Tuesday, Burgess introduced legislation that would require Pittsburgh Police to document the reason they’re stopping and searching a person without a warrant. That includes recording the interaction on a body camera or dashboard cam. If the person searched isn’t arrested, a documented reason for the suspicion must be handed over.

Mayor Ed Gainey says he still needs to read the proposed legislation, but it’s a topic he’s familiar with.

“Even in our public health and safety committee, that’s one of the things we’ve been looking at in terms of how we curb violence and deal with some of these other issues,” Mayor Gainey tells Channel 11.

Neighbors say racial profiling is real and changes to the policy could make Pittsburgh a more welcoming community.

“It would be better because there’s such a wide demographic of people in the city,” Ivy Cramer tells Channel 11.  “Especially for the city that purports itself to be so progressive.”

As for an all-out ban on stop-and-frisk, Burgess says no – there are dangerous situations especially involving guns or violent crimes where these searches are necessary tools for police and public safety.

The Pittsburgh police department says, “The Bureau of Police will review the proposed legislation and cross-reference it with the policy that is already in place - PBP Order #45-02-  outlined on the City of Pittsburgh website under the Manual of Procedural Orders for Police. Police will work with Reverend Burgess and Council on any changes or additions that need to be made.”

A preliminary vote on the city’s stop-and-frisk policy could happen as early as next Wednesday.

When will some of these roads in Pittsburgh finally get plowed and salted? We’re finding out.

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