Pittsburgh police chief announces plans to reduce violent crime

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay announced Friday the new strategies being implemented to help reduce violent crime.

Some of the new strategies have already been put into effect and have already begun to make a difference.

Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Response Team has targeted the North Side and other communities in Zone 1 by identifying individuals with a history of problems and has been cracking down on them.

“We actually systematically developed a response for each individual that was causing violence in Zone 1, and that eventually did calm that area down,” Zone 1 police Cmdr. Lavonnie Bickerstaff said.

Zone 5 police have taken a three-pronged approach to help with robberies and drug issues in Homewood and East Liberty: An email blast is sent every week to residents and business owners, which has been generating a lot of tips, according to police.

Two-person police teams are now patrolling neighborhoods on foot. Police have also partnered with faith-based organization “Mad Dads” whose members walk the streets and talk with teenagers.

“I’ve watched them work, and the kids on the street really respect them because these gentleman are from the neighborhood,” Zone 5 police Cmdr. Jason Lando said.

McLay said outreach to those involved in conflict is another key component to the strategies. The Department of Human Services is helping to give these individuals an alternative to crime.

“When we outreach to these young people we have to give them an option, beside engagement in the criminal lifestyle as a way to live, give them opportunities to make better choices, McLay said.

McLay said another concern is the violent juvenile crime occurring downtown. He will be meeting the school district and Port Authority to address these issues and create solutions.

Cox Media Group