Pittsburgh Violent Crime Incidents Skyrocketing In 2021

PITTSBURGH, PA — Violent crime rates are spiking in the city and public safety officials are concerned. Thus far this year, there have been 20 homicides in Pittsburgh and nearly 50 non-fatal shootings - respective 80 and 90 percent increases from the same time last year.

"Although this uptick in violence appears to be a trend across the country, this is not our city," Pittsburgh police Chief Scott Schubert said Monday.

"This is not Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will not allow this senseless loss of life to continue. Our officers will work directly with the community to get to the root cause of these crimes and stop them from occurring."

Schubert said police have been taking a proactive approach to address the violence in the most affected neighborhoods. Community resource officers and neighborhood resource officers from the city Community Engagement Office have been walking through several communities each week, speaking with residents and business owners, listening to concerns and sharing ideas about ways to make their communities safer.

Group violence intervention outreach workers have also stepped up their presence. Group violence intervention is a partnership between law enforcement, outreach, social services and the faith community who mediate and interrupt violence.

"Public Safety will ensure police have the investigative tools, technology, and resources they need at this time," public safety director Wendell Hissrich said. "But, more importantly, we encourage members of the public to come forward and share their ideas, concerns, and information with police. Police can only solve crimes when everyone works together."

Anyone with information about violent crimes is asked to call Pittsburgh Police at 412-323-7800.