The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police says it is taking a closer look at a circulating arrest video that appears to show an officer using force, and has now called in outside help. According to the bureau, the incident has been sent to a Pennsylvania State Police use-of-force specialist to assess whether the officer’s actions met professional standards.
In an April 16 post on the department’s official X account, the bureau shared a press release and an incident transcript, according to Pittsburgh Police. The social media post does not name the officer or specify where the arrest took place, instead directing readers to the attached release for additional context.
The Bureau of Police is aware of video showing an officer using force on an individual during an arrest.
— Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) April 16, 2026
The incident has been referred to a use of force expert from the PA State Police to determine the appropriateness of the force applied.
More here ⬇️https://t.co/u6fYuexnFN pic.twitter.com/d6JrmFc7Oq
How the city reviews use-of-force incidents
Pittsburgh’s internal rules require every use-of-force incident to be documented, reviewed by supervisors, and examined for potential training fallout. The bureau’s General Order 12-06 spells out what counts as physical force and details the steps for internal review and reporting, according to City of Pittsburgh.
Outside reviews after viral video
City officials have not been shy about bringing in outside eyes when footage spreads widely. After an earlier downtown arrest video drew intense attention in 2023, city leaders said they would seek an independent review, and the Citizen Police Review Board launched its own inquiry, according to WTAE.
Who oversees complaints
The Citizen Police Review Board operates independently from the police bureau, handling public complaints, examining misconduct claims, and initiating investigations into high-profile incidents, according to the board’s published materials. Its meeting notes and case agendas show how it tracks and reports the complaints it receives, per the Citizen Police Review Board.
What to watch next
The state police use-of-force expert’s findings are expected to inform the bureau’s internal review, though any disciplinary decisions follow a separate city process. Pittsburgh’s body-worn camera policy requires officers to record encounters with citizens and lays out how that footage is stored and reviewed, according to City of Pittsburgh.
The bureau’s X post notes that the case remains under review. In the meantime, the public and advocacy groups are likely to press for any related video to be released and for clear explanations as the state specialist and local officials finish their work. We will update with official statements, any released footage, and related filings as they become available.
