Downtown Safety Coalition – Making Downtown a Community for All

Earlier this year, the PDP began working with a large group of stakeholders to discuss the way in which students and young people experience Downtown Pittsburgh, from transportation to and from local schools, to after-school activities and resources.  Among the stakeholders working on this issue  were the three Downtown schools: Pittsburgh CAPA, Urban Pathways Charter and City Charter High School, law enforcement representatives from the city, county and Port Authority, the Department of Justice, City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, in addition to many other community representatives.

One topic that quickly surfaced from initial meetings was the need for an intentional strategy between law enforcement, community and business members, and students to develop relationships and regularly communicate with students.  The officers of Zone 2 at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Port Authority have risen to the occasion and in partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools have initiated outreach efforts in schools throughout the City, participating in school assemblies and joining students for lunch to develop stronger ties with the students.  In addition, officers are also partnering with coaches, teachers, guidance counselors, and community leaders to talk with kids on the street during afternoon dismissals, reducing the anonymity of students, and hopefully leading to great behavior by teens in and around major transit corridors.

As a way to incentive good behavior among students, law enforcement and school officials were provided with coupons to local businesses that were given to students demonstrating strong leadership and good decision-making skills. Participating businesses include Social Status, Crazy Mocha, and Arnold’s Tea House. If you are interested in getting involved and supporting the incentive program, drop is a line at info@downtownpittsburgh.com.

We greatly appreciate the support of the coalition members and look forward to finding ways to create stronger relationships with our youth in Downtown.  Partners include:  Pittsburgh CAPA, Urban Pathways, City High, Allegheny County Juvenile Courts, Mad Dads, The Shyne Awards, Poise Foundation, the Alliance for Police Accountability, Black Women for Positive Change, Urban Kind institute, Group Violence Intervention Outreach Workers, Mother’s March for Peace, One Nation Mentoring, and the Will Allen Foundation.