City Controller: Police stations in desperate state

    Unsanitary and deadly conditions are being ignored at all 23 Philadelphia police district stations, according to the city Controller.

    By Meggan Kole

    Unsanitary and deadly conditions are being ignored at all 23 Philadelphia police district stations, according to the city Controller.

    Alan Butkovitz released his inspection report Wednesday, highlighting violations, including, mold, loose electrical outlets, blocked fire exists and non-functioning toilets.  Many of these violations were documented in his 2006 audit but were disregarded.

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    Butkovitz says $4 million in state money is available for repairs–a few million more than he says is needed to repair everything. He says if the hazards aren’t taken care of soon, a tragedy is going to happen.

    “There’s this idea that unless the fire occurs right in front of you as you’re looking at it that these risks don’t ever mature into a real problem,” says Butkovitz. “But they do.”

    The Controller’s Office recommends the city immediately request funds from the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, where money is put aside for city projects.

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