Interim Wilkinsburg police chief hired for permanent position
WILKINSBURG, Pa. —
A familiar face will continue to lead the Wilkinsburg Police Department.
On Wednesday, Wilkinsburg Borough Council voted to appoint Christopher Duncan as the chief of police.
Duncan had served as the interim chief since May after borough leaders said longtime chief Ophelia Coleman retired.
“I feel great. I feel like this is a new beginning for the department,” Duncan told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 Reporter Jordan Cioppa.
According to Duncan, he oversees 15 officers currently. He said his goal is to have a full staff of 23-24 officers by the end of the year.
“One of the things that we are going to focus on is recruitment and retention. I’m really big on training, so I want to get all my officers through trainings,” Duncan said. “And not just mandatory training, but the trainings that they desire because I’m a strong believer that offering trainings for the things that they want, that’ll keep them here longer, and it will also keep them happier.”
When it comes to community issues, Duncan said he is staying focused on mental health. The department has already partnered with the A-Team, a program dedicated to addressing behavioral health and human service 911 calls.
“We’re going to be working with other agencies as well to come in to help mitigate some of the issues as far as mental health that we’re having,” Duncan said.
Wilkinsburg Mayor Dontae Comans said they interviewed other candidates but decided Duncan was best for the role.
“Plus, we wanted to show that we hire from within,” Comans said. “…He’s been here for years. He’s been a sergeant. He’s been a lieutenant. He’s been a supervisor for many years. So, he was perfect for the job.”
Duncan has been with the Wilkinsburg Police Department for nearly 12 years, he told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.