Bureau of Administration (Public Safety)

Mission

The mission of the Department of Public Safety is to provide for the security and safety of all residents and patrons of the City of Pittsburgh through the oversight and execution of the public safety operational strategies through the planned and coordinated efforts of the Bureaus of Police (PBP), Fire (PBF), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Animal Care and Control (ACC). This mission includes the creation of a command team with representatives from PBP, PBF, and EMS acting in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS). We strive to improve community and first responder safety through integrated response, training, technology, fleet upgrades, and increased community visibility as well as enhancing and enforcing team collaboration across all Public Safety Bureaus. We attempt to further our mission through the streamlining of administrative positions to provide cross training support, and improve oversight on resources, spending, and hiring practices.

Departmental/Bureau Overview

Administration - The Bureau of Administration contains the Office of the Director of the Department of Public Safety. It is a managed entity responsible for standardizing practices, policies, response efforts, technology, and communication between all bureaus. It provides oversight and inter-bureau coordination of personnel, resources, facilities, and finances. While each of the bureaus remain independent, the Department has streamlined uniform policies, reporting structures, and financial management.

Community Outreach - The Office of Community Services & Violence Prevention (OCSVP) serves as a liaison between the City of Pittsburgh’s residents and community groups and the Department of Public Safety. The OCSVP staff is responsible for coordinating and maintaining numerous Public Safety community relations initiatives. In an effort to keep residents safe and improve their quality of life, the Outreach staff educates and provides the public with general safety, crime prevention, and various life enhancing resources. These initiatives are conducted through meetings, workshops, and community sponsored events. They include the Group Violence Intervention Initiative, which plays a crucial role in reducing neighborhood violence. It is partnership between law enforcement, street outreach workers, social services and the community who mediates and interrupts violence from spreading.

Park Rangers – The Park Ranger program is a vital connection between the City of Pittsburgh’s parks and its park users. Park Rangers act as park ambassadors for the Department of Public Safety by educating park visitors/users on park offerings, programs, activities, local ordinances, rules, and regulations. Park Rangers also engage park visitors in mutually respectful ways that benefit and develop relationships and appropriate park use.

Nighttime Economy - Nighttime Economy supports the food, beverage and entertainment events that enhance Pittsburgh’s quality of life and attractiveness to visitors and relocating companies. However, this industry can present unique potential public safety risks and quality of life impacts. Further, consumer demand is forceful and trends populate quickly, often well in advance of policies that could address issues. Responsible Hospitality includes planning, monitoring, managing, and policing. The Office of Nighttime Economy facilitates these activities and upholds Sociable City Pittsburgh’s vision: “Safe and vibrant places to socialize for visitors and Pittsburghers of all ages, cultures and lifestyles” and the Sociable City's mission: “Retain and grow the economic value of the social and nighttime economy while effectively preventing and addressing nuisance activities, managing public safety risks and alleviating quality of life impacts.” The office is additionally charged with implementing the long- range recommendations from the Sociable City Plan, as well as facilitating key stakeholders to guide policy changes and resource allocation to support and sustain Pittsburgh’s nighttime economy.

Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security - The Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (OEMHS) works to reduce the vulnerability of the populace and property of the City to injury and loss resulting from natural or man-made disasters. This office also provides prompt and efficient rescue, care, and treatment of persons threatened or victimized by disaster; provides for rapid and orderly restoration and recovery following disasters; and educates the public regarding their responsibilities in responding to disasters affecting the 157

• Conducted 24 site vulnerability assessments (as of August), delivering emergency preparedness and security recommendations that typically secure $400,000 in annual security grant funding for assessed sites (FY25 awards pending).
• Led successful policy change enhancing barricade requirements at Special Events, prohibiting wooden barricades as sole protection in response to the evolving threat landscape. New standards now apply to nearly all City events. Submitted grant package for vehicle-rated barriers through the Port Security Grant Program. Park Rangers:
• Completed a total of 321 educational programs so far in 2025 with over 10,000 interactions citywide. This includes, but is not limited to, new initiatives such the Small Park Series, a 50+ Guided Hike Series, and Park Ranger staffing and tours of the newly refurbished Neill Log House.
• Park Rangers responded to 33 emergencies citywide with Pittsburgh Police, Fire, and Paramedics.
• Expanded the Deer Management Program upon successfully harvesting 335 deer in 2024-2025, which provided 36,480 meals. Future expansion includes expanding the archery program to Hays Woods, McKinley, Seldom Seen, Southside Parks and Hazelwood Greenway. In addition, the program will be piloting a mentorship program to coach youth in proper archery practices. Office of Nighttime Economy:
• Expanded outreach to an additional 125 businesses and engaged with over 1,600 business owners, workers and community members to share resources, and to resolve conflicts and support economic development in 13 commercial corridors.
• Organized and hosted 6 citywide trainings in De-escalation, Mental Health First Aid, CPR/AED and Narcan for business owners and staff through ONE’s NITE School (Night Industries Training & Education).
• Connected over 1,000 entrepreneurs with 23 grant opportunities, five of which specifically support minority and women-owned businesses.
• Used most common 311 complaints/violations to target needs for improvement in business compliance, developed web workshops on commercial recycling, plastic bag ban and resources for staff to better manage sound and detect fake IDs. Public Information Office:
• Expanded and updated PIO media training for Pittsburgh Police supervisors, new supervisors, and detectives/officers set to be promoted. Conducted approximately eight separate hours of training, reaching more than 100 members who learn how the media works, how and when to speak with the media, and how to identify positive stories to share with the PIOs. One excellent example is when a Downtown officer shared the story of his partner, Officer Steven Harris, who paid out of pocket to help a deaf man whose first language is French get back to New York when Greyhound left him stranded without luggage. In fewer than 24 hours, the post elicited close to 9,000 engagements, 500 positive comments, and was shared close to 700 times.
• Created new lines of communication between police zone supervisors and Public Information Officers to ensure the dissemination of timely and accurate information to the media and the public, as well as the Administration and City Council.
• Facilitated hundreds of media interviews - both local and national - highlighting first responders.
• Established relationship with NFL communications team for early collaboration ahead to the 2026 NFL draft in the city.
• Continue to expand social media engagement by growing audiences by highlighting the positive work of first responders. Examples of this include working with the EMS Media Group to post weekly "Training Tuesday" and "EMS Week in Review" posts. Office of Film & Event Management:
• Successfully added a "public demonstration" permit type to our Eproval permit management system, allowing quicker, more direct requests for permits for first amendment activities and rallies, allowing the public easier ability to communicate with the City and exercise their rights.
• Continued to assist Visit Pittsburgh and the Steelers in comprehensive planning for the 2026 NFL Draft.
• Worked with Visit Pittsburgh to achieve the prestigious "IFEA World Festival & Event City" designation for the City of Pittsburgh from the International Festivals & Events Association for the second consecutive year.

• Since activating Eproval one year ago, OFEM has received and processed 1,520 individual applications: 925 Event Permit requests, 428 Block Party permits, and 167 Film Permits. Office of Community Services & Violence Prevention:
• Supported the First Responders vs. Youth Basketball Game in February at the West Penn Rec Center in Polish Hill and helped reestablish a youth sports organization in Beechview, fostering positive interaction between youth and first responders and promoting healthy activity.
• Hosted a Steering Wheel Lock Giveaway in March, distributing 96 locks.
• Presented at Clean Slate E3 Forum, highlighting community engagement and public safety initiatives.
• Coordinated Hill District Clean-Up with Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in September.
• Coordinated six separate NNO events — the highest participation to date.
• Built strong communication and collaboration channels with key community organizations Open Field, Save a Life Today, Casa San Jose, Hope for Tomorrow, and Imagine Further.
• Designed and launched a customized de-escalation training program for local businesses in collaboration with the Nighttime Economy Office.
• Integrated educational workshops into Zone Council Meetings to address pressing community concerns, including youth engagement, mentorship, early intervention strategies, and trauma-informed care.

The labor agreement for AFSCME 2719 members expires on December 31, 2025. This budget reflects a 0% salary increase for members as conversations continue through Q4. The City anticipates that these numbers will change.

The Assistant Director - Community Affairs and Assistant Director - Community Health and Safety positions were moved from the Stop the Violence Trust Fund job account in 2026.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATION 2026 Expenditures by Subclass

57 - PROPERTY

56 - SUPPLIES 53 - PROF. & TECHNICAL SERVICES 55 - OTHER SERVICES 54 - PROPERTY SERVICES