Pittsburgh gears up for G20 summit

PITTSBURGH, July 17 (UPI) -- Police in Pittsburgh, a city not known for visits by foreign heads of state, are gearing up for the Group of 20 meeting in September.

Police Chief Nate Harper warned his officers this week anyone leaking information about security plans is putting his job on the line, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday. Harper sent a memo Tuesday night after a reporter and photographer from the newspaper showed up at a football field where 50 officers were practicing crowd control.

"The preparation for the G20 summit is a very serious endeavor and as members of the PBP we should not jeopardize the safety and well-being of our fellow officers by giving out information that should remain confidential," Harper said.

Harper said the department has adopted a "one-voice policy" with only his spokeswoman, deputy or someone else he designates allowed to comment on plans.

The G20 meeting has been designated a Special National Security Event, which means the Secret Service and other federal agencies are involved.