Pittsburgh police officers' stop for food and drinks on election night under disciplinary review
Alleged drinking while on duty and risking the spread of COVID-19 are at issue in a city review of some police officers. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 has confirmed that the actions of multiple Pittsburgh police officers on election night are under review and could lead to discipline.
Sources confirm a group of Pittsburgh police officers who believed they had been cleared to go home from special extended election night duty instead went for food and drinks at Mario's on the South Side. That raised more than one issue: Alleged drinking while actually on duty and congregating together during the ongoing pandemic.
Department spokeswoman Cara Cruz said via email, "Public Safety was made aware of the allegations and took immediate action to ensure the safety of all officers and the public. While the matter remains under review, appropriate discipline will be issued for all violations of City policy. Per the FOP contract, Public Safety does not discuss personnel matters such as those described."
Meanwhile, 100 officers were placed under precautionary quarantine in the days following the alleged incident but it is unclear whether any of those quarantined were among or in contact with the officers whose conduct is under review.
Officials of the police union did not respond to our requests for comment.
A co-owner of The Mario's Group replied by emailed to say, "We will be making no comments."
Potential disciplinary charges include alleged drinking on duty, insubordination and conduct unbecoming an officer.