Pittsburg PD accused of purposefully misclassifying crime statistics

PITTSBURG, Calif. (KGO) -- New allegations have surfaced against Pittsburg police that claim the department is purposefully misclassifying crime statistics to downplay violence in the city.

The East Bay Times reports the department is classifying a far higher percentage of crimes as "suspicious circumstances."

It's a category that keeps the incident from being counted in federal crime stats.

The newspaper reports the practice came to light by a former Pittsburg police lieutenant who's now suing the city for wrongful termination.

The department says its chief has asked the district attorney to launch an independent investigation in an effort to show transparency.