University of Pittsburgh Police Department

🔥 The Flame of Hope is burning bright! Earlier this week, Pitt Police witnessed a team of six LETR Torch Runners and one Special Olympics athlete Torch Runner complete the final leg through Pennsylvania, ending at the Pittsburgh Law Enforcement Memorial.
 
We are so proud of Sgt. Urban for being selected to represent the Commonwealth in the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Final Leg team, running the Flame of Hope from the East Coast to Minnesota to spread awareness for the Special Olympics! She is a shining example of what courage, passion, and dedication look like. Many congratulations to all of the LETR Torch Runners, and good luck to all of the Special Olympics Athletes who will be competing in Minneapolis for the 2026 USA Games later this month!

Last month, the department gathered together to celebrate the retirement of K9 Officer Sam, who worked his last shift on May 28. For a decade, K9 Sam served alongside his partner, Sgt. Nanz, and the members of the Pitt Police, helping to keep our community safe by performing venue and event sweeps and responding to urgent calls. Please join us in thanking K9 Sam for his bravery and faithful service and in wishing him a well-deserved retirement!

An off-campus crime alert has been issued by the University of Pittsburgh Police Department, Pittsburgh campus. All crime alerts are posted on our website: http://pi.tt/crimealerts

With the weather getting nicer, you may be tempted to start your vehicle and leave it running with the AC on to make it comfortable for your drive. However, if you do this, your ride might not be there when you go to leave. Keep your vehicle and your personal belongings inside it safe by following these three simple words: Hide, Lock, Take.
 
🙈 Hide your things: avoid making your vehicle look like an easy target by obscuring any items you leave behind.
🔒 Lock your vehicle: always lock the doors and double check to make sure they are locked.
🔑 Take: your keys and any valuable items with you.
 
Be aware of your surroundings when you park, and call Pitt Police at 412-624-2121 to report theft on campus.

Hey Panthers, PennDOT is replacing the Commercial Street Bridge to improve safety and mobility. Expect a full closure for about 25 days this summer on I376 between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel & Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77) interchange. Tentative closure dates are July 10 – August 3, 2026. Expect and prepare for potential impacts to the Oakland area, as both Forbes and Fifth Avenues are being utilized for the Interstate Detour. Learn more about the project, sign up for alerts and plan your route: pa.gov/CommercialStBridge

Today, we remember to the brave service members of our military who gave their lives to protect our freedom. We will never forget their courage or their sacrifice.
 
Wishing you a safe holiday. 🇺🇸

Photo credit: Tom Altany, University of Pittsburgh

Memorial Day weekend is here, and it’s a great time to remind our Pitt community that distracted driving is deadly and illegal. Keep your phone down or get pulled over. Effective June 2026, you will be pulled over and fined if an officer sees you with a phone in-hand.
 
Remember, we’re all trying to get safely to our destinations, and one glance at your phone while driving is all it takes to kill someone. Be courteous of your fellow drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians and wait until you arrive at your destination to use your phone.
 
Stay safe, Panthers!

During National Police Week, we remember and reflect on the lives of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to protect and serve others. Organizations across the country collaborate in this annual tradition, honoring America’s law enforcement community, which includes fallen officers and their families. 
 
Please join in honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty and thanking those who continue to make our communities safer.