Public Hearing Held On Police Zone 3 Issues

Pittsburgh city council held a public hearing as requested by the residents of the city to discuss frequent changes of the zone 3 police commander, and the low levels of staffing. Many residents from throughout the city's zone 3 enforcement area showed up to express their concern regarding low staffing that they feel is resulting in more crime and an increase in the perception of danger in their neighborhoods. Police Chief Nate Harper attended the meeting and spoke after the public had given their comments. He said he can not staff anymore officers because he is already limited in the number of officers available. Chief Harper said that the changing of zone commanders is a way to give them more experience and knowledge of the different problems that each individual neighborhood experiences. Chief Harper said the most important issue he is taking away from the hearing is that citizens and police officers need to grow their relationships.