Statement from Mayor Ed Gainey on D.A. Zappala Efforts to Seize Control over Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Operations
Since the day I was sworn in as Mayor of the great city of Pittsburgh, I have made clear that my number one priority is making this the safest city in America. Our public health-based approach to public safety combined with our efforts to improve community police relations has resulted in real tangible results.
So far we have seen a reduction in homicides year over year. I’ve been clear to our officers, that if someone is causing harm in our city – be it those using guns to settle arguments or drug dealers preying on our most vulnerable residents, we want those individuals held accountable for their actions.
It is clear that Mr. Zappala is unable to stand on his 20-year career, and instead wishes to mislead and use fear to win an election. We have reviewed the case law, and if Mr. Zappala has a case or a statute that he can cite to prove he has the authority to seize control of our Pittsburgh Bureau of Police I’d love to see it.
I can however say that time and time again our courts have stated that being homeless in and of itself is not a crime. He may wish to use his authority to punish those who have the least, but my administration believes in caring for their safety and working with our partners to provide credible offers of housing, security, and a path toward a safer tomorrow.
We will continue our work to make our City the safest in America, and we believe in our mission of having zero gun deaths in Pittsburgh. In order to have the lasting peace that Pittsburgh deserves, we need real partners at the table who are ready to work together to make that a reality and not point fingers.
