Pittsburgh Police Release Initial Numbers On New Downtown Crime Unit

PITTSBURGH, PA — The new Pittsburgh Police high visibility patrol had a period in its first full week of operation. According to city public safety officials, the patrol made 34 arrests, issued 54 non-traffic citations and recovered three firearms between July 15-21.

Formed to combat what city officials described as an uptick in Downtown crime, the unit provides officers with additional support from K-9, cycle unit and violence prevention unit officers concentrating on specific areas as identified by police supervisors.

Additionally, a police vehicle patrols Downtown nightly with its overhead red and blue lights activated at all times but not in flashing mode.

A breakdown of the unit's activity:

Downtown Public Safety Center

• Arrests: 26

• Non-Traffic Citations: 53

• Parking Citations: 10

• Tows: 3

• Traffic Citations: 7

• Warrant requests: 1

Violence Prevention Unit/Narcotics

• Arrests: 8

• Non-Traffic Citations: 1

• Warrant: 1

• Tows:1

• Guns: 3

The firearms were recovered during a traffic stop on Stanwix Street and the subsequent search of a related vehicle. Between the two vehicles, detectives recovered narcotics, packaging materials, body armor, indicia and three firearm magazines. A large sum of cash was also seized.

Traffic:

• Arrests: 0

• Non-Traffic Citations: 0

• Parking Citations:19

• Traffic Citations: 1

• Tows: 3