Undercover Detectives' Behavior In Bar Brawl Captures Concern Of Review Board
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Citizen Police Review Board is meeting to discuss the possibility of a public hearing to "review the systemic issues related to undercover detail" for city police officers.
The review comes after a brawl between four undercover detectives and members of the Pagan motorcycle club.
Security footage captured the brawl last October at Kopy's Bar on the South Side, including one undercover officer allegedly punching one citizen 19 times in the head.
The Pagans are now suing the city and the officers, alleging the officers were drunk.
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"We're concerned. The board is very much concerned about the activity of undercover officers," the executive director of the citizen police review board, Elizabeth Pittinger, told KDKA's Kym Gable.
"The board has pondered and mentioned that they wanted to have a public hearing."
The city Department of Public Safety told KDKA that there is an updated policy regarding undercover officers and alcohol consumption. But those new guidelines had not yet been posted on the city's website for public view.
"Undercover operations are complex and you need to have a policy in place to limit the officers' discretion," Fraternal Order of Police President Robert Swartzwelder said over the phone. "You need guidelines to get you through certain situations."
The four officers remain on paid administrative leave.
The Public Safety Department is reviewing disciplinary action and will make a recommendation to the mayor on the next course of action.