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North Braddock residents propose replacing police force

Some North Braddock residents have proposed replacing the borough’s police with county police as a way save money and be more efficient.

The organization North Braddock Network is pushing for the switch, but the North Braddock police chief and mayor say that is not the way to go.

Both said taxpayers would have to pay more to Allegheny County to get them to patrol, and the residents will miss out on having patrolmen in the community that they know.

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Officials said, when they crunched the numbers, it's actually cheaper to fund a local department with part-timers, which they're doing now.

"We can afford the police department that we currently have. I believe we have adequate service from our current police officers, and to do that, basically it's an insult," Mayor Tom Whyel said.

The community organization posed a flyer on social media asking residents, "When is it time for a change?" The post suggests the borough contact the county police officers to help improve the community.

Whyel said it's a suggestion he's heard more than once at council meetings, but says, "Sometimes people don't know what they're asking for."

Wilmerding is one neighboring borough using the county to police their community. That contract started on Jan. 1.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.