Watch CBS News

Arbitrator Rules Pittsburgh Police Officers May Live Outside City

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –It appears that after a long battle, Pittsburgh Police officers will no longer be required to live within the city.

According to KDKA-TV's Marty Griffin, an arbitrator has ruled that officers may live outside of the city.

This fight has been going on for several years.

In 2011, at least 200 current Pittsburgh Police officers signed up to take the Allegheny County Police entrance exam. The police union put that number at more than 300, which was about a third of the bureau at the time.

Many officers didn't like their required residency in the city and they doubted the quality of city schools for their kids.

The issue was placed on the ballot in November and was struck down by voters.

Our news partners at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that residents "overwhelmingly" backed the city's home rule charter referendum that would require city employees such as firefighters and police officers to live in the city limits.

Union President Sgt. Mike LaPorte, President of the Fraternal Order of Police spoke with Griffin Thursday morning.

"They are excited about the arbitrator's decision and they have wanted this for a long time and they want a diverse working group and this comes at the right time," he said.

The ruling is effective immediately and allows officers to move up to 25 air miles from the City.

Listen to the interview here:

Mike LaPorte

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
Join The Conversation, Like KDKA On Facebook
Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.