In case of emergency call: 412-255-1385
History
The Port Authority Police and Security Services Department traces its origin to 1968 when it was organized to oversee the security and protection of Port Authority customers, employees and facilities. Empowered by state law and commissioned by the Governor, Port Authority police officers have jurisdiction on and adjacent to Port Authority property as well as throughout the Commonwealth when in pursuit of Port Authority business.
The responsibility to police Port Authority services which operate over a 730-square mile area 365 days a year creates unique challenges and demands a force that is professionally trained and knowledgeable of all law enforcement matters.
Stephen McCauley was elevated to police chief in November 2006 following 20 years of service to the department. During his tenure, the department established an Emergency Services Unit, which is designed and trained to respond to critical incidents that are specific to the Port Authority. Fifteen officers are trained and equipped to deal with scenarios such as chemical leaks, hostage situations, and an active shooter aboard a bus or light-rail vehicle.
Under Mr. McCauley, the department added computer and video forensics specialists with extensive knowledge and advanced training. The department currently has 44 police officers and 12 security guards while operating a fleet of marked and unmarked police vehicles.
More than half of the department has a college background, and many officers regularly attend local colleges and universities as well as police in-service classes in Allegheny County and throughout the country.
The Port Authority Police Station is located at 1500 Martin Luther King, Jr. East Busway in Downtown Pittsburgh and is the control center for all law enforcement activities related to Port Authority operations. These include:
- Uniformed foot patrol of the subway and other Port Authority facilities
- Patrols on Port Authority's East and South Busways and properties throughout Allegheny County in marked and unmarked vehicles
- Accident investigations
- Undercover surveillance
- Internal investigations
- Traffic and crowd control
- Neighborhood patrols along bus routes
Traffic Investigations Unit
The Port Authority Police includes a Traffic Investigation Unit to respond to major accidents involving Port Authority. Two officers are trained as Accident Reconstructionists, and other officers have received Basic and Advanced Accident Investigation Training. Officers regularly attend classes sponsored by the Traffic Institute for Police Service and the Federal Transit Administration. The Traffic Unit operates three vehicles equipped with the necessary tools to conduct an on-scene investigation.
Plainclothes/Detective Unit
In 1997, Port Authority Police and Pittsburgh Police Departments began a joint Plainclothes detail in Downtown Pittsburgh to combat street crime. This detail is coordinated by the unit's Detective Sergeant, who is responsible for receiving and following up on complaints by Bus/LRV operators and patrons that require plainclothes officers. Two Pittsburgh Police officers, along with Port Authority officers patrol Downtown Pittsburgh for criminal activity at bus stops and subway stations.
Port Authority police and security officers are here to serve and protect all Port Authority customers. If you have a police emergency or need Port Authority police assistance, please call 412-255-1385.
Canine Unit
Port Authority has two canine units that are trained in the detection of explosives and work alongside veteran Port Authority Police Officers. The first unit began routine patrols throughout the system in June 2004. Each specially-trained dog completed a seven-week training course in bomb detection and patrol, and will continue to train for two to three days per month.
Emergency Links
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