While CP provided comment for all stakeholders, one issue was not given proper context. Vic Walczak (ACLU) states that Chief McNeilly was reviled by officers for "improving professionalism and accountability." This is false. He is reviled for participating in a mockery of those virtues regarding various matters of public concern.
Mr. Walczak is well aware that McNeilly claimed to achieve reform but practiced corrupt methodology.
Some examples: in striking down an attempt to control expert testimony of officers with unconstitutional orders, a Federal Third Circuit Court opinion calls McNeilly's attempt "disturbing, troubling" and notes "... it's possible the chief's discretion is entirely unbounded." Taxpayer cost, $780k
Various other McNeilly orders regarding free speech of officers and the disciplinary process have also been stricken. Mr. Walczak provided ACLU legal aid in all of these cases. Total cost to Pittsburgh taxpayers is in the millions. In fact, the National FOP Legislative Office in Washington, D.C. found no other American chief responsible for so many local tax dollars being spent due to violating the rights of his own officers.
Like any legal process, arbitration requires update and clarification---and protection from those looking for a scapegoat.
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Mr. Walczak is well aware that McNeilly claimed to achieve reform but practiced corrupt methodology.
Some examples: in striking down an attempt to control expert testimony of officers with unconstitutional orders, a Federal Third Circuit Court opinion calls McNeilly's attempt "disturbing, troubling" and notes "... it's possible the chief's discretion is entirely unbounded." Taxpayer cost, $780k
Various other McNeilly orders regarding free speech of officers and the disciplinary process have also been stricken. Mr. Walczak provided ACLU legal aid in all of these cases. Total cost to Pittsburgh taxpayers is in the millions. In fact, the National FOP Legislative Office in Washington, D.C. found no other American chief responsible for so many local tax dollars being spent due to violating the rights of his own officers.
Like any legal process, arbitration requires update and clarification---and protection from those looking for a scapegoat.