Investigates

Police Review Board approves investigation into Pittsburgh officer's ‘salary enhancements' while on leave

PITTSBURGH — The Citizen Police Review Board has authorized an investigation into the “salary enhancements” an embattled Pittsburgh police officer is receiving while on paid leave, Channel 11’s Joe Holden reported.

The decision was made during a meeting Tuesday evening.

Pittsburgh police Sgt. Stephen Matakovich has been on paid leave since an investigation was launched in December into a video of him punching a man under arrest outside Heinz Field.

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Since the city failed to make a decision on Matakovich’s status with the force within 30 days, Target 11’s Rick Earle reported on Monday that in addition to his regular wages, Matakovich is getting paid for court time and secondary detail time that he would have been able to work even though he's not allowed to work.

“This issue about court time and detail time is ludicrous. Who else gets that? If you don't work it, why would you expect to be paid for it?” Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board Executive Director Beth Pittinger said.

The police union attorney told Target 11 it’s part of the contract with the city.

In January 2014, the union agreed to give the city 30 days to complete internal investigations with the officer in question getting only regular wages.

If the department fails to reach a decision in 30 days, the officer is then entitled to the average court time and secondary detail time they worked during the previous six months.

The police union attorney defended the practice, saying, “Let's say an investigation took 90 days. You could have a substantial economic loss for nothing. If they can't reach a decision in 30 days, they're going to pay you just like you were working."

While secondary employment is paid by private businesses, Pittinger said she wants to know how Matakovich is being paid.

“If he's not working those details, where are those wages coming from? (Are) the taxpayers of the city of Pittsburgh paying him for not doing a job? It's ludicrous,” she said.

City Controller Michael Lamb told Target 11 that he was unaware of the practice and said he’s looking into it.

Meanwhile, Allegheny County District Attorney Stepehn Zappala told Channel 11 News earlier Tuesday that he plans to refile charges against Matakovich.

Zappala said he wants to refile the charges of simple assault and official oppression against Matakovich after a judge tossed them out.

The case will go back to a magistrate when the charges are refiled, Zappala said.

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