Allegheny County Police are no longer scheduled to patrol in the city, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said in a news release today.
The change comes as Pittsburgh moves forward with a plan to increase its police presence downtown, Fitzgerald said.
[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Allegheny County police will assist Pittsburgh with downtown patrols ]
Fitzgerald said the county is ready to help again, if necessary.
“The safety and security downtown, as our county seat, is a priority for us as well, and we will provide any assistance and manpower needed,” said Fitzgerald.
County officers were assigned patrols downtown since early February. The plan for county police to patrol in the city came days after leaders discussed police shortages, which some council members called a crisis.
Residents told Channel 11 they were concerned about the increase of violence in the city.
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In his first budget, Mayor Ed Gainey touted investments in public safety, including the first class of police recruits in years.
Channel 11 has reached out to Gainey’s office about Fitzgerald’s announcement and is waiting to hear back.
This is a developing story. Check back with Channel 11 for updates as more information becomes available.
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