At January’s community meeting, several residents raised concerns about public safety incidents in the neighborhood. Commander Kudrav and Lieutenant Vinansky from Zone 2 attended the meeting and were able to address a number of issues.  We thank the Commander for following up with the statement below:

Dear Polish Hill Residents,
On Sunday, Dec. 3, 2016 around 5 p.m., Zone 2 officers responded to a
call on Harmar Street for a domestic disturbance incident.  The
responding officer’s preliminary investigation brought forth an
indication that the suspect may return to the location later in the
day.  The officers appropriately prepared to apprehend the suspect.
When more officers are available for a higher risk task, we take
advantage of the opportunity with the goal to ensure the stability and
safety of the community and officers. I offer the following
information as a reference to provide context to why so many officers
responded and the importance of officer safety practices in any law
enforcement profession:

The FBI reports 96 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty
in the United States in 2014. 51 of those officers were outright
killed by suspects the officers encountered just doing their everyday
job.

Now on the other hand, each officer is held to a high standard of
professionalism in all of their actions and performance. It is
important that I am informed of poor interactions our officers have
with any community members. As an organization, we are learning that our community members can be equally effected by the processes of law enforcement in their neighborhoods as the end results. I am looking into concerns that were shared with me in this regard. I will inform your group leaders of my findings as appropriate.

Additionally, I alerted all shift supervisors of the armed robbery
reported by a group member. Zone 2 shift supervisors will assign
targeted patrols to Polish Hill. This was a serious crime of violence
that was not fully communicated to Zone 2 for a timely response. For
this I apologize. I notified Zone 2 plainclothes detectives of the
reported armed robbery and one of our detectives is working the case.
He has tried several times to get in contact with the victim. The
detective has also responded to the location to gather more evidence.

Looking toward the future, I will inquire as to what instruction is
available for community groups to better understanding what happens
when someone calls 9-1-1. Also, I am inquiring about the possibility
of community personal safety training.

Anna Kudrav, Commander
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Zone 2 Station
2000 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-255-2827
anna.kudrav@pittsburghpa.gov
FBINA #255