Find alternatives to calling the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- Alleghany Link
- Simplifies and streamlines access to services and supports in an effort to help individuals and families maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. Referral to shelters, disability and elder services.
- (866) 730-2368
- https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/About/Contact/Link/
LGBTQ+
Coming soon.
Mental Health
- resolve Crisis Services
- resolve is a 24-hour, 365-day crisis service that’s free to all Allegheny County residents.
- 1 (888) 7-YOU-CAN (796-8226)
- https://www.upmc.com/services/behavioral-health/resolve-crisis-services
- Please note: this resource has been reported to involve law enforcement with some frequency. Please seek help if needed, but keep this in mind as we look into other options in the Pittsburgh area.
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Crisis Center North
- Crisis Center North’s 24-hour hotline is free and confidential for anyone affected by domestic violence
- (412) 364-5556 or 1 (866) 782-0911
- Text: (412) 444-7660
- https://www.crisiscenternorth.org/get-help
- Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
- Free, confidential assistance to survivors of sexual assault. In-person advocates can accompany you to forensic exams.
- 1 (866) 363-7273 (24-Hour)
- https://paar.net/
- Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
- An emergency shelter for adults experiencing domestic violence and their children. It is a safe harbor that provides specialized care and support for survivors who have experienced all types of intimate partner violence from physical to emotional through Emergency Shelter, Legal Advocacy, a 24-Hour Hotline, Support Groups, and more
- (412) 687-8005 (24-Hour Hotline)
- (412) 744-8445 (24-Hour Text Support)
- https://www.wcspittsburgh.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
Coming soon.
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
- Center for Victims
- A community based nonprofit organization and the largest, most comprehensive, inclusive provider of services, advocacy, and education for victims of all crime in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Caring, professional staff is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to respond to emergency needs of crime victims and witnesses, answer questions, and provide support. The hotline serves as the gateway to all services
- 1 (866) 644-2882 (24-Hour Victims Hotline)
- https://www.centerforvictims.org/
Substances
- resolve Crisis Services
- resolve is a 24-hour, 365-day crisis service that’s free to all Allegheny County residents.
- 1 (888) 7-YOU-CAN (796-8226)
- https://www.upmc.com/services/behavioral-health/resolve-crisis-services
- Sage’s Army
- The Sage’s Army Help Line is available 24/7 to the community as a resource to find help relating to substance abuse.
- (724) 863-LIFE
- http://www.sagesarmy.com/
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.