PITTSBURGH — Police brass is clamping down on officers getting premium car washes.
11 Investigates learned exclusively that police have spent thousands of dollars on car washes so far this year.
The city is facing a $30 million budget shortfall.
A nasty email went out to every zone commander, ordering officers to explain why they are getting those premium car washes instead of the basic wash. This comes at a time when the city is struggling to make ends meet.
Pittsburgh police officers can get their police cars washed at a handful of washes throughout the city, but instead of getting the basic wash for about $10, some officers are getting premium washes for nearly $37.
Now, the police administration is cracking down.
11 Investigates obtained an internal email indicating the bureau has spent over $11,000 in car washes so far this year. It also identifies 21 cars that have gotten premium washes ranging from $17.25 to $36.92.
“Officers are still getting premium car washes....this is no longer acceptable,” the email said.
The email requesting commanders to identify the officers and have them submit a report to the assistant chief of operations explaining why they purchased the more expensive wash.
“We just want to be responsible managers of the public purse and this is all part and parcel of that,” Pittsburgh Police Public Information Officer Cara Cruz said.
This crackdown comes as the mayor revealed at a news conference last week that the city is facing a nearly $30 million budget shortfall.
“We need to make sure we are thoughtful about where and when we spend money on anything. It’s ‘nice to have’ versus ‘need to have’; those are the thoughtful discussions and decisions that need to be made,” City Controller Rachael Heisler said during a press conference with the mayor’s office last week.
Officials are monitoring every expenditure, including those premium car washes.
Some police officers tell 11 Investigates that the basic car washes just don’t clean the cars as well.
Cruz also blamed some of the higher cleaning costs on the frequent snowstorms this winter, but added that some officers probably get too many washes.
While officers who got the premium washes must now submit a report explaining the purchases, Cruz says some appear to have legitimate reasons.
Earle: Are these officers in trouble?
Cruz: No, they’re not in trouble. I mean, we did change our car wash contract recently, and they really don’t know how to use the machines. They hand the person the card, and probably sometimes they think they’re doing them a favor by giving them the premium car wash, and they don’t even know.
Pittsburgh police have 350 cars. Those reports are due to the assistant chief by this week.
The union that represents the police officers said they were unaware of any disciplinary action involving car washes.
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