Downtown Pittsburgh Safety Update

By Olivia Miller

Pittsburgh Police Officer Brian Wissner, a Pittsburgh native who has served Zone 2 since 2011, then spoke about how Pittsburgh is helping the city’s homeless population, especially those with addiction and mental health issues. He began by discussing the tremendous impact the pandemic had on the downtown landscape, especially in how the once populous public areas were being used. Since then, the police department has worked with the mayor’s office to establish several programs to help the homeless. One of which is an Allegheny Health Network branch downtown which helps in directly engaging with those with addiction or mental health struggles. Another of which is the establishment of their 311 system, which is a way for Pittsburghers to report non-emergency matters though it is “not a replacement for 911.” Officer Eldridge Kimbrough encourages using the 311 form on the Pittsburgh Police’s website where people can provide “more robust information” and even upload pictures or videos.

At the end of his speech, Officer Wissner says the department anticipates drug-related arrests will increase because of the extra attention the Central Business District is receiving from the officers stationed at the new precinct. He says, “If arrests are not made, [the crimes] will just continue.”

Officer Kimbrough then discussed how the police and local community organizations are helping to curb the fighting, disorderly conduct, retail theft, and loitering that happens as a result of kids being Downtown after school. He says they are always “looking for more immediate support systems” and are working with the REACH Team to gather information about the kids’ group dynamics and gathering spots. These efforts have been aided by local high schools who have their own security guards or work with the police to verify the identities of the students to swiftly issue citations. The organization Mad Dads, which is composed of older men who act as a trusted father figure to the kids, also help out after school to keep kids on a good path.

The newly opened Cafe Momentum on Forbes Avenue is helping to provide kids with career skills and intel into the restaurant industry. The program is composed of 15-19 year olds who have been in the criminal justice system in some capacity within the last year. They offer an internship program which teaches the kids how a restaurant is run as well as how to serve and cook food.

To best deal with the boisterous children, Officer Kimbrough recommends avoiding large groups who “have a mind of their own compared to an individual.” He also encourages staying vigilant and paying attention to your surroundings. If faced with a verbal or physical fight, he says to not confront the kids or call 911 in front of them. More than anything, he says to remember “not all these kids are bad.”