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Pittsburgh police spent thousands on premium car washes as city faces large deficit<\/p>\n
Police brass is clamping down on officers getting premium car washes.<\/p>\n
11 Investigates learned exclusively that police have spent thousands of dollars on car washes so far this year.<\/p>\n
The city is facing a $30 million budget shortfall.<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Mayor O\u2019Connor\u2019s administration will reopen Pittsburgh\u2019s 2026 budget to address \u2018serious concerns\u2019 <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Now, the police administration is cracking down.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cOfficers are still getting premium car washes….this is no longer acceptable,\u201d the email said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just want to be responsible managers of the public purse and this is all part and parcel of that,\u201d Pittsburgh Police Public Information Officer Cara Cruz said.<\/p>\n This crackdown comes as the mayor revealed at a news conference last week that the city is facing a nearly $30 million budget shortfall.<\/p>\n Officials are monitoring every expenditure, including those premium car washes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to make sure we are thoughtful about where and when we spend money on anything. It\u2019s \u2018nice to have\u2019 verus \u2018need to have\u2019; those are the thoughtful discussions and decisions that need to be made,\u201d City Controller Rachael Heisler said.<\/p>\n Some police officers tell 11 Investigates that the basic car washes just don\u2019t clean the cars as well.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n While officers who got the premium washes must now submit a report explaining the purchases, Cruz says some appear to have legitimate reasons.<\/p>\n Earle: Are these officers in trouble?<\/p>\n Cruz: No, they\u2019re not in trouble. I mean, we did change our car wash contract recently, and they really don\u2019t know how to use the machines. They hand the person the card, and probably sometimes they think they\u2019re doing them a favor by giving them the premium car wash, and they don\u2019t even know.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh police have 350 cars. Those reports are due to the assistant chief by this week.<\/p>\n The union that represents the police officers said they were unaware of any disciplinary action involving car washes.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n