Wilkinsburg's police department lost its ability to access two computer databases officers use to conduct criminal background checks on suspects, the mayor confirmed Friday.
Mayor John Thompson declined to say what prompted federal and state authorities to suspend the department's access to the NCIC and JNET systems.
"All I can say at this time is that the police chief and I have discussed this matter and that it is being handled by the state police," Thompson said.
Chief Ophelia Coleman could not be reached for comment.
State police spokeswoman Lt. Myrna Taylor said because of the Easter holiday weekend, no information would be available until next week about the state's involvement in the investigation.
The FBI operates NCIC, or the National Crime Information Center, a national database for tracking crime-related information.
The state Office of Administration operates JNET, the Pennsylvania Justice Network, which allows officers to access state public safety and criminal justice information.
Officers with access to the databases can log in from a computer, including laptops installed in patrol cars, to conduct the background checks on people and obtain other information.
A Wilkinsburg police officer said the loss of access to the databases means the department's 22 officers have to contact the Allegheny County 911 center to request the information they are seeking.
