Pittsburgh City Council today postponed for two weeks a vote on an ordinance setting procedures for handling allegations of domestic abuse by police officers.

The decision came after Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said for the first time that he wants an ordinance on the subject, and as advocates for women sent conflicting e-mails to council members on whether they wanted a vote now or after further negotiations.

"I support this bill being put in the form of an ordinance so that the police department is held accountable," said Mr. Ravenstahl. He said he's backing an ordinance despite reservations from many corners of his administration. "I support an ordinance, despite some of the concerns of the Law Department and the Personnel Department and the police department and the union."

Leaders of both the Police Bureau and the Fraternal Order of Police have said they want an internal policy, not an ordinance.

A proposed ordinance by council President Doug Shields would require extensive background checks of new hires and bar the hiring of recruits with "tendencies indicative of abusive behavior." An officer subject to a protection-from-abuse order could be reassigned or fired.

An amendment proposed by Councilman William Peduto would force officers subject to PFAs to turn over their service weapons. That amendment failed just prior to today's vote to postpone.

Mr. Ravenstahl said he wants the city and women's advocates to "come together with a comprehensive plan, but I know we have discussed the issue internally about police officers having to relinquish their weapons in the event that they've been involved in a domestic altercation."

Public Safety Director Michael Huss told council that it "could pass an ordinance that directs the chief of police, or directs myself . . . to develop this policy and then move forward from there."

Council members were divided on whether they should insist on a specific ordinance.

"When it's an ordinance, it becomes the law of the city of Pittsburgh, and when it's the law of the city of Pittsburgh, only council can change it," said Mr. Peduto.

The delay comes after a flurry of e-mails to council reflecting a split among women's advocates about how to proceed. Several groups concerned with women's rights generally have advocated an immediate vote before Tuesday's general election, while some organizations which help battered women urged lengthier talks with the administration.

The issue came to the fore after the June 18 promotions of three officers with domestic abuse allegations in their pasts.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.