On today’s episode of The Confluence:
A state panel voted to update anti-discrimination regulations
(0:00 - 8:02)
Last week, the state’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approved new definitions clarifying sex, race and religious creed for discrimination complaints.
The state Human Relations Commission reviews discrimination claims, utilizing these definitions in employment, housing, education and more. Advocates say these new definitions will bring more clarity for people bringing up these complaints, but opponents are taking issues with the process used to enact the definitions.
“House Republicans and Senate Republicans, some of them weighed in with that critique or belief that these are pretty important policy changes and exactly the kind of thing the legislature is set up to do,” says Mark Scolforo, reporter with the Associated Press.
These new definitions will take effect early next year.
Review board says complaints against police have been down this year, specifically excessive force
(8:10 - 17:04)
Last week, the Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board announced the number of public complaints against officers dropped for a second straight year.
Pittsburgh Police have responded to more than 300,000 calls this year, and out of those interactions, the Pittsburgh’s CPRB says 220 individuals have come forward with complaints so far. The most common type of complaint against officers has been “unbecoming police demeanor and attitude.”
Pittsburgh CPRB executive director Elizabeth Pittinger says while complaints have been down, specifically excessive force complaints, the board might not be getting an accurate representation of how police and citizens interact.
“I think a lot of people are hesitant to file a complaint against any entity, any person, any public agency,” says Pittinger. “That is of concern.”
According to city code, citizens have six months to file a complaint. But Pittinger says the board has been given an additional six months for citizens to file a sworn statement.
People incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail have faced ongoing issues when trying to access and receive books
(17:20 - 22:30)
The Allegheny County Jail’s policies and procedures for sending books to the facility have been under increased scrutiny in recent months. That’s after local activists and community members alleged that incarcerated people faced ongoing issues when trying to access reading materials at the jail. 90.5 WESA’s Julia Zenkevich reports on this issue.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in Monday to Thursday at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.
