PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Pittsburgh Beyond the G20
by g20 thoughts Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2009 at 4:27 AM

A discussion considering one possible outcome of the events of the G20 in Pittsburgh would be the the establishment of a formal organized copwatching group in Pittsburgh.

I know, I know, the G20 hasn't even come and gone and already someone is writing a story about Pittsburgh after the G20. A lot has already been reported about issues between police and various groups and individuals. The recent police-abuse accusations trial had a ruling in favor of the city. Meaning that the judge did not consider First Amendment rights violated in the case presented.

Pittsburgh is not alone as a city where individuals and organizations have had issues with the police. It appears to be a universal issue. What we are doing well during this time focused on the G20 summit is showing some police behavior towards citizens of Pittsburgh.

In Pittsburgh, we have a citizen review board where you can file a complaint about police, but really how much power does that board have to affect any problem with law enforcement? Wouldn't it be great if one outcome of the G20 was to have a regular copwatch group in Pittsburgh. It seems that we do have people who do use personal media devices to practice their First Amendment rights to observe law enforcement, but no organized active group that I know of in the city of Pittsburgh.

Can't get help from the courts, from the Citizen Review Board? How about taking your case to the online world ala copwatching? Copwatching videos have been useful in focusing on police problem behavior and even in protecting citizens from police who file false reports. Nothing like a little public pressure when the courts and other official avenues cannot "see" the problem.

Copwatching. Might Pittsburghers want to think about organizing a formal copwatching group. There are many copwatch groups around the country. I am sure they would gladly offer advice on how to go about properly documenting police activity in a legal and safe manner. Just one person's thoughts about what might be useful outcomes of this intense G20 spotlight that shines on our city.