Police Review Board Proposal Struck Down By Allegheny County Council
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A proposed police review board was struck down by the Allegheny County Council.
The vote, which happened Tuesday, failed after getting six supporting votes and nine votes against.
Among those who voted against the measure, there were several who noted they agreed with the concept but were too concerned about the "flaws" in the proposal.
They pointed to issues like cost, union support and dealing with multiple municipalities with their own rules and procedures.
The proposal for a county-wide police review board was fueled by the shooting death of Antwon Rose II by an East Pittsburgh Police officer.
Rose's mother became an outspoken advocate for the need for oversight among police officers and departments.
KDKA's Amy Wadas Reports:
"I knew before I walked in the door," Michelle Kenney told KDKA's Kym Gable. "This is never going to be over. They took a vote today. We'll be back in January. One good suggestion was to put it on the referendum, so you can tell that elected official I thank him for the suggestion, but we already had it."
The board would have consisted of nine unpaid members nominated by County Council and the County Executive.
It would not have included anyone currently employed by law enforcement.
Also, the proposed review board would only have had oversight over the Allegheny County Law Enforcement, but other municipalities could opt-in.
"What we're calling for is to push Allegheny County policing from the 19th century, like a wild, wild west, into the 21st century," community activist Khalid Raheem said outside the courthouse Tuesday before the meeting during a demonstration.
The family of Antwon Rose spoke out for the formation of such a board.
"I want this review board not because of what happened to Antwon, but because of what happened to a lot of residents in Allegheny County," Michelle Kenney, Antwon Rose's mother, said earlier this month.
However, others remain opposed.
