Increased police presence in Harrison's Sheldon Park 'paying huge dividends'

Promised foot patrols by police officers in Harrison’s Sheldon Park neighborhood have led to fewer altercations in the neighborhood and a better rapport between law enforcement and residents, officials say.

In response to a shooting in the neighborhood nearly two months ago, Allegheny County Housing Authority Police Chief Mike Vogel promised an increase in random foot patrols by officers.

That promise initially was met with skepticism from some residents.

Vogel said this week that the four-day-a-week patrols are making a difference.

“It’s suppressed things,” Vogel said. “There’s been less calls out there.”

Harrison and Allegheny County Police have joined housing authority officers on the patrols, Vogel said.

“At any different time, you can see up to three departments interacting with children and building a better rapport with residents,” he said.

The county’s housing authority operates Sheldon Park, which is located between Springhill Road and Broadview Boulevard, near the Heights Plaza Shopping Center.

A shooting on June 17 rocked the Sheldon Park community. Albert Pittman, 15, was arrested in connection with the shooting that critically injured a 33-year-old man.

Pittman, being tried as an adult, is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, tampering with physical evidence, carrying firearms without a license and illegal possession of a firearm by a minor. He was ordered to stand trial in July and a formal arraignment in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Vogel said the increased visibility is “how policing used to be.” He recalled growing up in Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood and knowing all the officers who worked the beat in his neighborhood.

Officers working the Sheldon Park beat aren’t given specific instructions, but are encouraged to interact and build relationships with residents and set an example for children in the neighborhood, Vogel said.

The Sheldon Park patrols also give officers the opportunity to visit the county high-rise complexes in the area, including locations in Harrison, Tarentum, Brackenridge, Springdale and Blawnox, Vogel said.

Feedback from residents has been positive, he said.

“That’s uplifting to hear,” he said. “First and foremost, that we’re able to do it, and that it’s paying huge dividends.”

During a “park-and-walk” Tuesday, housing authority Officer Clarence Gunter was greeted by children ready to strike up a conversation.

The most common ask? Police badge stickers.

“If you’re visible, there’s no problems,” Gunter said. “When they don’t see you, that’s when things tend to happen. That’s why we try to be more visible, get out and walk.”

Elaine Jasso, program coordinator at the Booker Center, said it’s been a “quiet summer” at Sheldon Park. She complimented the increased police presence. She said children get excited to interact with the officers.

“It’s been very quiet, very peaceful up here,” Jasso said. “They’re doing a very good job. They’re all friendly and approachable.”