Letter to the editor: Effective policing required to save Downtown Pittsburgh

I respect but disagree with columnist Joseph Sabino Mistick that saving Pittsburgh requires a coalition of “corporate leaders, the foundations, universities and colleges, neighborhood groups, and political leaders from the state and county and city” (“Can we save Downtown Pittsburgh?,” Jan. 28, TribLIVE). A bureaucracy is not needed to get the thugs and drugs out of Downtown. In fact, the universities would likely get in the way.

A police crackdown is required — with constant, significant police presence, swift arrests, strict bail terms. “Stop and frisk” and a curfew also would head off a lot of trouble.

Downtown Pittsburgh is not a large area. It can be effectively policed. Mayor Ed Gainey obviously isn’t up to it, because it would have “disproportionate impact.” Yes. On the thugs. I’m unfortunately not optimistic the city will be safer anytime soon.

Hank Baughman

Unity