Pittsburgh Police reduces staff from 3-7 A.M., only respond to ‘in-progress emergencies

Pittsburgh Police Change Policy, Limiting Response to Non-Emergency​ Calls

In​ a recent policy change, the Pittsburgh police department has⁣ announced that they will no longer personally respond to calls that are not⁣ considered “in-progress emergencies.” This decision comes as part of an effort to better allocate resources and improve overall efficiency.

Instead of dispatching​ officers to non-emergency calls, these calls will now be assigned to a Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU) through a telephone recording system. The TRU will operate from 7 a.m. to‌ 3 a.m. daily, including weekends. However, it’s important to note that the TRU will not handle calls involving suspects on⁢ the scene, ⁣crimes requiring medical aid, domestic disputes, calls‌ with evidence, or requests ‍for the Mobile Crime Unit to process ‌a scene.

During the hours of 3 a.m. to 7‍ a.m., when fewer 911 calls are typically made,⁣ there will be no desk ⁤officers present at the ⁢six police stations in the city. Instead, call⁢ boxes linked to 911 have been installed for emergencies during these hours. It’s worth mentioning that ‌there may ‍be only 22 officers available ‌to cover the entire city during some overnight shifts.

Pittsburgh Police ⁢Chief Larry Scirotto defended these changes, stating, “It’s enough ⁣to ⁢cover the entire city in those hours when we have 8% of the time people are calling… I’m confident in the decisions that we make, that it impacts this bureau and this city in a much better way than we have in the past.”

Pittsburgh​ police ‌will no ⁢longer respond to certain calls including theft, harassment, criminal mischief, ⁢and burglary alarms.

Between 3AM-7AM there will be ‌no officers at any police stations.

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According to Chief Scirotto, these changes were⁢ prompted by staffing shortages, as the city’s police force has decreased to 740 officers,‌ below the desired full staff of 900. He also highlighted the imbalance between officer shifts and call⁢ volume, with two-thirds of calls coming between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m., while only one-third of officers worked overnight. This led to under-resourcing one shift and over-resourcing another,⁤ prompting the need for these adjustments.

Despite concerns raised by Bob Swartzwelder, president of the Fraternal Order of‌ Police #1, who criticized the plan for straining manpower, Chief ⁢Scirotto remains confident in the data-driven approach. He emphasized that the changes aim to better focus on officer wellness and ⁣improve overall safety.

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What measures has the department ⁢taken ​to​ ensure that all calls ⁢are appropriately assessed and prioritized under ⁤the new policy?

Hief Scott Schubert explained that ⁣this change in⁣ policy is a response ​to the increasing demands and limited resources of​ the police department. The ⁤decision to​ limit the‌ response to non-emergency‍ calls aims to prioritize the ‌most critical needs of the community and ensure a⁤ more efficient use of​ personnel and equipment.

The department recognizes that not all calls require an immediate on-site ⁣response from‍ an officer. By⁤ utilizing the Telephone Reporting Unit, the⁢ police department ⁤can address ⁣non-emergency issues in ⁢a more timely ⁢and cost-effective manner. This also⁢ allows officers to focus their attention on higher-priority calls‌ and situations that require their immediate presence.

While​ some may express concerns over the potential ‍implications of this policy change, it ⁤is important to note that​ this decision was made after a careful evaluation of data, resources, and national best practices. The ⁣department has ​taken steps to ⁤ensure that all⁢ calls are appropriately ⁣assessed​ and prioritized. The criteria for⁣ determining whether a call⁤ is an in-progress emergency or a non-emergency have been clearly defined, and the public has ⁣been informed about the new protocol.

Moreover, the installation of call ⁢boxes during the overnight hours demonstrates the commitment of the Pittsburgh Police Department​ to maintain public safety even ⁢in⁣ the absence‌ of desk ⁣officers at the police stations. While ​it‌ is acknowledged that there will be limited manpower⁣ during these hours, the department is working to optimize their resources ​and ensure a swift ⁢response ‍to emergencies.

It is important for the community⁢ to understand that this ⁢policy change is not⁣ a reflection of ⁢a lack of concern ‍for non-emergency ‍issues. Rather, it is ⁤a strategic ​decision aimed at maximizing efficiency and providing a more targeted approach to policing. The Telephone ⁢Reporting ‌Unit is equipped to handle⁤ a variety of non-emergency situations and ⁢can provide ‌the necessary information and support to those calling with non-urgent concerns.

The Pittsburgh police‌ department is committed to providing the best possible service to the community. ​This policy change represents a proactive ⁤effort by the department to⁢ adapt‍ to the evolving needs and ⁣challenges of ⁤policing in the modern era. By making these changes, the department can better allocate resources, improve response⁣ times ‌for urgent matters, and ultimately enhance public⁣ safety.

In conclusion, the Pittsburgh police department’s decision to‌ limit the response to non-emergency‍ calls is a strategic step towards improving resource allocation and efficiency. By implementing the⁢ Telephone​ Reporting Unit ⁤and ‍installing emergency⁣ call boxes ⁤during overnight hours, the department aims to provide a more⁢ targeted and effective approach to policing. While concerns may arise, it is essential to recognize ‍the department’s commitment to public safety and their dedication to adapting to the ⁣changing demands‌ of ⁤law ‌enforcement.

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