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This report lays out a short history of why police actually exist and how they are not designed to produce public safety, but to monitor and control Black, Brown, and poor White people.
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As the birthplace of the Fraternal Order of Police, Pittsburgh plays a central role in the development of American policing. Yet as the home to Freedom House Enterprises, Pittsburgh also plays a central role in the reimagining of public safety, demonstrating how community responses to health and safety are far more effective. We then highlight four major areas in which policing actively harms our communities. Finally, we lay out our holistic vision of how public safety can be achieved and maintained without the police.
OUR VISION FOR REIMAGINING PUBLIC SAFETY
Steep Cuts to Policing Budgets and Investments in Our Communities An immediate cut of $50 million from the Pittsburgh police budget and a cut of $100 million in policing throughout the county. •
Immediately reduce the size of the police from 31 officers per every 10,000 residents to 19 officers per 10,000 residents, which is in alignment with the national average for mid-size cities and would result in a cost savings of at least $24 million
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Transfer duties that do not require police officer certification and training to civilian employees outside of the bargaining unit, which is permissible per Section 18, subsection I on “Civilianization” in the contract between the FOP and the City of Pittsburgh
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Maintain the current hiring freeze
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Reduce the police force by the nearly 200 officers who are eligible for retirement
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Immediately fire all officers with more than two complaints against them
ALLIANCE FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY // 1HOOD
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