Wilkinsburg Residents, Area Police Urge Council to Keep Borough Force

Wilkinsburg residents, employees and supporters voiced overwhelming opposition Wednesday to the possibility of dissolving or merging the police force with the city.

More than 60 people attended Wilkinsburg Council's regular meeting to tell leaders how they felt after last week’s reports that discussions are taking place that could move toward the borough’s police department either shutting down or merging with Pittsburgh city police.

Before public comments were heard, council President Jason Cohn reassured attendees the process would not be rushed and the proper procedures, including public hearings, would take place before any action.

“If we feel it would result in a safer Wilkinsburg, we will have deep and public conversations,” Cohn said. “There is no imminent plan.”

The initial idea of moving forward with the plan stemmed from a successful merger of the fire department in the borough, which is now run under the City of Pittsburgh. The department previously was a borough operation. So far, a proposal has been made by the city to Wilkinsburg regarding a plan for police coverage. 

The proposal still needs to be reviewed by Wilkinsburg Council members and was not discussed Wednesday. 

Resident Alice Williams said she doesn’t know why the discussion is taking place at all.

“Good sense tells us there is a two-mile radius in the borough and officers can get anywhere in a matter of minutes,” Williams said. “It doesn’t make sense—I recommend we keep the department we have.”

police officer Adam Lawrence—who happened to be the last to speak publicly after reminding council they had not yet heard from any area officers—said he interacts with city residents on a regular basis and continues to hear one comment—”I can’t believe how fast you guys got here.”

“It’s not to say the city’s not doing a good job—they’re overwhelmed,” Lawrence told council. “How will they tack these calls onto what they already do? I don’t know how they’d field those calls in a timely manner.”

Lawrence went on to say that currently, and Edgewood officers regularly assist Wilkinsburg on major calls, also noting that local departments have a good working relationship.

“We’re here—and that doesn’t cost you anything,” he said. “If this isn’t about money savings, I don’t understand what you’re going to accomplish.”

Michael Jones of Wilkinsburg said he moved there to live in the borough—not the city of Pittsburgh.

“There aren’t bars up and down the streets and I feel safe here, because the temptations are not here,” he said.

Jones noted that Wednesday marked his five-year anniversary of being clean and sober.

“Is Wilkinsburg going to stay Wilkinsburg, or are we going to sell out to the city?” he said. “Please save our police department.”

Petitions were given to council during the meeting as well as people spoke.

Cohn said it makes sense for council to inquire about the possibilities regarding the police, because the fire department transition was successful. He said since that change, the response to local fires has increased three-fold.

State Rep. Dom Costa, D-21 and also a former chief of police in the city, told council there’s no question—residents get better service from smaller borough departments.

“The city does very well—but it’s different,” Costa said. “And if it does happen, I hope it’s a merger, because these officers have given a lot of their time and their life. I hope you don’t turn your back on that option.”

Lonzo Boyce, a constable in the Wilkinsburg magistrate’s office, praised the local police department.

“I work with them every day, I always see them patrolling and they see me,” he said. “No disrespect to the city, but we need our guys here. Wilkinsburg is a special place and we have special cops.”

Boyce also went on to say that the same people he transports each day for court cases are watching what is unfolding in the community.

“When there are certain criminal elements out there hearing about the possibility of them being gone—they’re licking their chops,” Boyce said. “Keep our guys here.”

The next Wilkinsburg Council meeting is at 7 p.m. March 14.