Between 2020 and 2022, TAAG addressed ongoing concerns raised by Black youth regarding their interactions with the West Mifflin and Homestead police departments. These issues also extended to experiences in the Waterfront area of Homestead. Multiple incidents were reported involving excessive force, particularly targeting Black youth and Black women. One youth reported having her hair forcibly pulled out, while another was swung around by officers. In another case, a pregnant Black woman was mistreated by law enforcement (see detailed stories below, warning: graphic content).
Community Members Calling For Firing Of West Mifflin Police Officers After Altercation With 15-Year-Old Girl On School Bus - CBS Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)
Take Action Mon Valley Demands Answers After 2 Incidents Involving Police Officers In Homestead - CBS Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)
In each of these cases, the officers involved faced only internal reprimands, and that occurred only after TAAG's intervention. Recently, TAAG received another complaint from a local youth concerning the West Mifflin police. See below for more details and how you can help!
A Night of Injustice: The Harper Families Fight for Justice
Please note this story was reported to TAAG by the family.
On the evening of September 8, 2024, between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM, a nightmare unfolded for a 16-year-old boy. The incident began with what should have been a simple call for help. According to the family, it all started when the youth, panicked over his dog’s suspected pregnancy complications, tried to contact his mother, Shamica Harper. When his phone malfunctioned and he couldn’t reach her or his grandmother, he dialed 9-1-1, hoping for assistance. He explained the situation to the operator, requesting help in reaching his family. However, instead of offering the requested help, the operator dispatched police officers.
Officer Miller, along with several unidentified officers from the West Mifflin Police Department, responded to the call. When the officers arrived, the young man explained his distress but sensed sarcasm and hostility from them. Feeling unsafe, he refused to let them inside. What should have been a routine encounter escalated dramatically. The officers called for backup, and soon the street was swarming with police cars, lights flashing, and guns drawn. The officers blocked off the road, demanded that he come out with his hands up, and even ordered neighbors to stay inside their homes. He complied, walking outside with his hands raised. But his fear only grew as the officers’ aggressive behavior continued. According to the family, the officers drew their guns and dragged him into the police car, resulting in physical injuries.
The family reported that he suffered a busted lip, a bloody nose, and abrasions across his upper body. He was rushed to McKeesport Hospital, but shockingly, instead of receiving medical treatment for his physical wounds, he was placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold for eight days. During this time, he endured further trauma.
This behavior is unacceptable. A call for help should never result in trauma or aggression from those sworn to protect. Now, the family is seeking justice. The young man's civil rights were blatantly violated in multiple ways, including excessive force, assault, false imprisonment, and racial profiling. Despite the presence of witnesses, fear of retaliation from the West Mifflin Police Department has kept many who saw the events unfold silent.
It should be noted that similar to our other complaints, he has experienced encounters with police and security personnel at the Waterfront. This highlights a concerning pattern of behavior exhibited by West Mifflin and Homestead police. In addition, by security personnel at the waterfront. This often results in criminalizing Black youth for typical adolescent behavior. Black youth should be able to make mistakes without facing harassment or trauma by police.
This incident serves as a tragic example of how a call for help can be met with unjustified aggression and racial bias. No child should have to endure what this young man experienced, and no community should live in fear of those who are supposed to protect them. The Harper family’s fight for justice is a fight for accountability, transparency, and change. Shamica Harper, the boy’s mother, has filed a formal complaint, with the West Mifflin police department, against Officer Miller and all officers involved.
DEMANDS:
1. Comprehensive Investigation: We demand a full and thorough investigation of Officer Miller and all officers involved in the incident.
2. Release of Law Enforcement Records: We demand the release of all records related to the incident, including body camera footage, internal reports, and any relevant communications between officers.
3. Disciplinary Action: Appropriate disciplinary actions must be taken against all officers involved in the incident. Specifically, Officer Miller must be terminated.
4. Defund the Police Budget: We call for a 10% reduction in the police budget, with the funds redirected towards programs and initiatives that support Black youth.
5. Creation or Opt-In to Police Review Board: The police department should either opt into the existing Allegheny County police review board or create a similar review board within their area.
HOW CAN YOU HELP:
1. Contact the West Mifflin Police Chief, Mayor, and Council. Demand that the officers be held accountable and that they comply with our demands!
-Police Chief Gregory A. McCulloch - Phone: (412) 461-0600
-Council President Scott Stephenson and Mayor Chris Kelly
- Phone: 412-466-8170
- Email: CKelly@WestMifflin.gov
-For a full list of council members visit Elected Officials | West Mifflin Borough, PA
2. Attend the Council Meeting:
- Date: November 13
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: 1020 Lebanon Road, West Mifflin, PA 15112
3. Legal Assistance:
- The family is seeking a defense and civil lawyer. If you can help, please email TAAG at info@takeactionadvocacygroup.org or call 412-440-8268
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