By: Mike Maharrey|Published on: May 25, 2021|Categories: Local, Police|
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (May 25, 2021) – Last week, Pittsburgh voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to ban “no-knock” warrants in the city, taking a step toward nullifying several Supreme Court opinions in practice and effect.
The Alliance for Police Accountability led the campaign joined by a large number of other grassroots organizations to put the measure on the ballot. The initiative added a new section to the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter barring employees of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police from executing warrants at any residence without knocking and announcing themselves. Police are no required to knock on a door, announce their presence, and wait at least 15 seconds before entering a residence to execute a warrant. The ballot initiative also requires officers executing a warrant to wear a body camera, and dress in uniform or wear clothing that identifies them as law enforcement officers.