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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2010
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Senate Panel Approves Orie Bill to Waive Residency Requirement for Pittsburgh Police

(HARRISBURG) -- The Senate Law and Justice Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) that would remove the current requirement in state law that Pittsburgh police reside in the city.

Orie said Senate Bill 998 would repeal language contained in Act 265 of 1951 which regulates police in second class cities.  The act was amended in 1990 to require Pittsburgh city police to live within the city boundaries.

"This residency requirement is unnecessary and can often present a burden for law enforcement officers," Orie said.  "Our police officers risk their lives every day to protect the communities they serve, and we should not make it more difficult for them by imposing residency mandates."

Orie said she believes that any such residency matter should be handled at the local level between the police officers and the local governments they serve.  The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration. 

CONTACT:

Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538