We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2016 Citizens Police Academy – Spring Session class.  Class size is limited to twenty (20) students, with preference given to Penn Hills and Monroeville residents.  Application packages may be picked up at the Penn Hills and Monroeville Police Departments, or downloaded from this site by clicking here.

Please complete your application and other necessary paperwork/checks as soon as possible to confirm your spot in this class.  Many local law enforcement agencies offer Citizens Police Academy classes at various times throughout the year; however we believe our program is very unique, offering students a chance to drive an actual police car on a “skid pad,” and to participate in live firearms training on a state-of-the-art shooting range maintained by the Monroeville Police Department and the FBI.

For additional information on the program, and the requirements to apply, please visit our Citizens Police Academy page.  The first class will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Monroeville Police Department.

This past Friday (01/22/2016) at approximately 11:58 AM Officer Lucas Lauricia was on routine patrol when he spotted a vehicle involved in a call that other Penn Hills officers were responding to.  He conducted a traffic stop with that vehicle and determined that the driver was the person involved in the call the other officers were answering.

During the stop Officer Lauricia could smell an overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which coincided with a report that the driver was transporting a large amount of marijuana.  Subsequently, Officer Lauricia located over 25 pounds of marijuana inside the vehicle.  The driver was arrested and was charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver it.  Nice work Officer Lauricia!

Penn Hills Police Department Incident #1600001157

For many years the members of Police Helping People Daily (PHPD) set up the train display in the municipal building during the Christmas season, for all to come and enjoy.  PHPD is made up of active and retired Penn Hills police officers and staff.  As the years passed the display began to see a decrease in visitors.  It was decided that the display would come to an end after the 2014 holiday season.

In 2015 the group organized an auction to sell off all of the trains, platforms and displays.  This past December the PHPD donated $2000.00 from the sale proceeds to the Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia Make-A-Wish® Foundation.  PHPD has been donating to Make-A-Wish since 1989 and has donated over $40,000 to their foundation, only asking that the donations be used for children in the program that reside in Penn Hills or Verona.

On January 14, 2016 Make-A-Wish sent a letter sharing thanks for the donation, but more importantly, describing the opportunities that donations to their organization make possible, like how a four-year-old Verona child with sickle cell anemia was able to enjoy a trip to Walt Disney World to see her favorite Disney characters.  Thanks Make-A-Wish for operating such a wonderful organization!

Make A Wish Letter (Certificate of Recognition and thank-you letter)

Today Chief Burton graciously accepted a donation from representatives of the Sri Venkateswara Temple.  The donation was given to the Penn Hills Police Department to be distributed to various community organizations.  The SV Temple has been a long-time supporter of the police department and public safety.  We thank you for your generosity and contribution to the community.

The Penn Hills Police Department would like to remind residents to beware of thieves that target delivered parcels left by courier companies and the United States Postal Service (USPS).  The holiday season is quickly approaching and many people choose to do their Christmas shopping online, and have their purchases shipped directly to their homes. 

1. Use the package tracking features offered by the USPS and couriers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL;
2. Try to be available during the scheduled date of delivery;
3. Request that the package be signed for upon delivery (couriers will not leave items that require a signature);
4. Purchase delivery insurance for items being shipped;
5. Purchase items with a credit card if possible.  Credit card companies are more likely to refund your purchase in the event of a theft; and
6. If you cannot be home for the delivery, check with a trusted neighbor to see if they are willing to accept your package.  If so, leave a note for the courier to deliver the package to your neighbor’s address.

The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office would like residents to be aware of “Project Lifesaver,” and is offering free enrollment to residents of Allegheny County who qualify for it.  The program was founded in 1998 and was designed to locate citizens with special conditions when they become lost or wander away from home.

Persons who are enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small transmitter that emits a tracking signal that can be picked up by public safety personnel searching for them.  Residents of Allegheny County who are caregivers can enroll on behalf of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, Down’s syndrome, autism or other disabilities, and veterans who suffer from PTSD.

If you are interested in enrolling in Project Lifesaver and believe you qualify, please contact the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office at (412) 350-4401 for more information.

On August 20th through the 22nd, several Penn Hills police officers will be taking part in the America’s 9/11 Ride, which will start in Somerset County, Pennsylvania at the Flight 93 National Memorial, then continue on to the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia and conclude at the World Trade Center (formerly “Ground Zero”) in New York City.  The ride was created to honor all those who died during the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, and support active first responders (police/fire/ambulance personnel) across the nation by providing scholarships to their children.

America’s 9/11 Ride is open to all types of motorcycles and will be escorted by a large contingent of police motorcycle officers.  Several hundred riders will be participating in this event.  To date, the foundation has presented scholarships totaling over $300,000, and has also donated more than $500,000 to first responder agencies.

This year our officers will be towing a trailer displaying the driver door from the Chevrolet Impala police car that Officer Michael J. Crawshaw was operating on what sadly proved to be his final shift.  Officer Crawshaw was tragically ambushed while inside his patrol car and died in the line of duty on Sunday, December 6th, 2009.  The door to his patrol car will make the trip from the Flight 93 National Memorial to Washington, D.C., where it will be donated to the National Crime & Punishment Museum and be placed on display.

Press Release – America’s 911 Ride

Did you know the Penn Hills Police Department has a Twitter account?  Check us out and follow us for “Tweets” about current events that involve the police department and the community.

In May of 2014 the Allegheny County Emergency Services 911 Center began to participate in the national “Text to 911” initiative.  The service allows cellular phone and mobile device users to send a text message to a participating 911 center if they are unable to make a voice call.

Not all wireless providers are offering this capability; however by December 31, 2015 the Federal Communications Commission has ordered all wireless providers to support this feature.

“Text to 911” should only be used if you are unable to make a voice call to 911.  It is practical for use by hearing impaired persons, and when circumstances may be too dangerous to risk making noise.

Your message, if your phone service provider currently supports this feature, will be received by a 911 operator, who in turn will reply back via text to ascertain the nature of your emergency and your location.  You will also be requested to make a voice call if possible.