3 police employees linked to Harper suspended

Created on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 10:24 Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 10:24 Published on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 10:24 Written by Rebecca Nuttall - Courier Staff Writer Hits: 4433

NATE HARPER

Last week, newly appointed Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Regina McDonald placed one officer and two police employees on administrative leave for unspecified reasons. Officer Tonya Ford, her mother Kim Montgomery, and Tamara Davis were linked to an outside business with recently ousted Police Chief Nate Harper, but it is unknown if this connection is the cause of the three women’s suspension.
“I am disappointed by recent events taking place in the City of Pittsburgh Police Department. I’ve always been dedicated to my duties of protecting the residents as a law enforcement officer while working in the community and conducting youth initiatives. I’m very eager to return back to work,” Ford said. “I will fully cooperate with any federal or city authority during this investigation. I want to say thank you to my family, friends, and brothers and sisters on the force for their unyielding support. My faith in God has and will continue to serve me well during this time.”
The three women came under scrutiny in the past few weeks for their connection to Diverse Public Safety Consultants LLC, a company founded by colleagues Harper, Cmdr. Eric Holmes, Sgt. Barry Budd, Ford and Davis. While some criticized Harper for forming a business with his subordinates, the company has not generated any revenue and was not operational. While the three women involved in the company have been suspended and Harper was forced to retire, disciplinary action has not been taken against Holmes or Budd.