Pittsburgh to fire 5 officers after man killed by police
Police initially said a Taser was used because Rogers was not complying with their order, according to WTAE.
CNN has reached out to the police union for comment.
An investigation by the Internal Review Board found that “a series of procedural failures contributed to this tragic outcome”.
“Mr. Rogers deserved to live … a long life,” Gainey said. “And he didn’t deserve to lose his life at the hands of the police. What his life might have been will stay with me as long as I serve as mayor of this town.”
An Allegheny County grand jury is investigating whether criminal charges could be brought against the eight officers, the station reported.
Gainey said Rogers’ death was “a stark reminder of the work we have ahead of us to make our city the safest city in America.”
Both Gainey and Schmidt declined to discuss details of the internal death investigation.
In December, after an internal Critical Incident Review Committee looked into the video, officer statements, and general orders and police bureau training, the committee recommended policy and procedural changes. .
Recommendations included requiring a supervisor to be present during use-of-force incidents “to conduct a medical assessment and request appropriate personnel”, and for emergency medical services to assess patients after the use of Tasers . The bureau also required officers to become “fully certified emergency medical responders.”
“I hope today is a day that we can get closer to healing his family and our city,” Gainey said Wednesday, referring to those close to Rogers.
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