On December 8th Mayor Ravenstahl summarily removed civilians from the Police Oral Review Board, despite the promise he made to us after more than a year of working together on this. PIIN Leaders and Community members stood up and demanded a change. (Click here for background and talking points)
Community Group Wants Citizens Reinstated for Police Recruit Interviews
Police chief says hiring panel process moved too quickly
Connellsville Daily Courier
City drops civilians from police review – New Pittsburgh Courier
Group demands response from Pittsburgh on police interview panels
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Rev. Chad Collins of Valley View Presbyterian Church and co-chair of the PIIN Gun Violence Task Force addressing the media at the PIIN press conference opposing the city’s decision to remove community participation on the police oral exam panels – Friday, December 9, 2011. Also present (from left to right): Bob Maddock, Vic Walczak of the ACLU, PIIN President Rev. Richard Freeman, Greg Patrick, members of Bidwell Church, Rev. Dave McFarland, other community members, Rev. Glenn G. Grayson, Rev. John Welch, Blanche Bennett, Rev. Mike Stanton, and Marlene Milik.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.