Understaffed Pittsburgh Police No Longer Responding To "Non-Emergency" Calls

In response to a staffing shortage, Pittsburgh Police have announced a significant shift in their response protocol, prioritizing in-progress emergencies over other types of calls. This change, a consequence of the controversial "defund the police" movement, means that incidents like criminal mischief, theft, harassment, and most burglary alarms will now be directed to an "enhanced telephone reporting unit" – essentially an answering service for non-emergency situations. This adjustment has sparked concern among residents, who fear their safety and property protection could be compromised. With police presence reduced overnight and the force operating with fewer officers than desired, the city's approach to law enforcement is undergoing a critical transformation. This policy adjustment reflects broader challenges faced by police departments nationwide, struggling with recruitment and public perception issues.