Pittsburgh Police to Adopt Higher Presence Downtown

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is planning to deploy more officers to the city’s Downtown.

Police said the new "high-visibility police patrol initiative" aims to create a safer environment around the clock. The Violence Prevention and Cycle units, along with K9s, will focus on specific areas and issues.

People will see what's called a "high-visibility patrol vehicle," a cruiser with overhead red and blue lights activated but not flashing, KDKA reports. 

Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto said police in Washington, D.C., Maryland and most of South Florida are doing this, and it is working.

In a statement to KDKA-TV, the chief said: "When officers are more visible, it not only deters potential criminal activity, but also fosters a sense of safety and trust within the community."