Community Programs
The South Fayette Township Police Department offers community-oriented programs and services on a variety of topics. The department also partners with county and state programs.
To schedule a special program, please contact the police chief.
Bicycles & UTV
Bicycle Patrols
South Fayette officers who are certified as police bicyclists patrol the township's portion of Panhandle Trail, plus other walking and biking trails, parks and neighborhoods. They provide a visible police presence in areas that are not readily accessible by vehicle and provide the officers with a quicker, more flexible response in rural and recreational areas. The officers use street-legal electric bicycles, or e-bikes, that boost pedaling power to help officers pedal longer and traverse hilly terrain. Learn more about bike patrol in this YouTube video.
Bike Helmets
Police offer free, appropriately sized bicycle helmets to children at various community events and periodically provide youth bike safety programs.
Utility Terrain Vehicle
The South Fayette Township Police Department operates a UTV—short for utility terrain, or task, vehicle. The vehicle is designed for natural areas where it is impractical to drive full-size vehicles. Trained officers may use the UTV to patrol parks, move through community events and respond to off-road emergency incidents.
The South Fayette Township Police Department offers a periodic Citizens Police Academy. The educational program provides residents 21 years of age and over with an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of police operations and foster better community-police relations. A link to the program details and the application packet will be posted each year to the police webpage and township website. View highlights of the program in this YouTube video.
Crime Tips
Anonymous Crime Tip Line
Submit anonymous crime tips that police may need to investigate.
Crime in Progress
If you have an emergency, need immediate attention from a police officer or see a crime in progress, dial 911. (You can request to remain anonymous when you call 911.)
K-9 Program
The South Fayette Township Police Department has a certified police dog, or K-9, with a trained handlers. The canine conducts police tasks and engages with the community.
Bloodhound Police Dog - In Memoriam
Ellie Faye (2017-2026), a female bloodhound, served for more than 8 years with Sergeant Mike Wesolek to track scents and find people.
German Shepherd Police Dog
O'Neil, a male German shepherd paired with Officer Alex Korkus, is a certified service canine who can track the odors of people and objects, detect narcotics and apprehend suspects.
Medication & Drugs
Narcan & First Aid
All police cars are equipped with oxygen, a first-aid kit, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and the life-saving medication Naloxone, commonly known by the trade name Narcan. All police officers are trained to administer Narcan to reverse the effects of overdoses on narcotics such as heroin, codeine or Oxycodone.
Medication Disposal Box
Deposit expired or unwanted medications in a Drug Take-Back Box in the police station lobby during regular office hours.
This free, anonymous service disposes of prescription and over-the-counter medications in their original containers or in a sealed plastic bag, with the name labels removed or blacked out.
The permanently secured box is under 24/7 video surveillance.
A state grant funded the program with the aim of reducing access to drugs that could lead to accidental or intentional misuse or overdose. The medications are destroyed after collection.
Accepted
- Prescriptions (medication, pills, patches, ointments)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins
- Samples
- Pet medication
Not Accepted
- Liquids such as cough syrup
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Inhalers
- Aerosol cans
- Ointments or lotions
- Needles / sharps
- Thermometers
- Medications from businesses or clinics
Missing Persons
Project Lifesaver
Specially trained police officers use tracking equipment to find people with special needs who wander away from home. Participants sign up to wear a transmitter bracelet that emits a signal police can follow if the wearer becomes lost due to cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, autism or Down syndrome. The program is operated in partnership with the Allegheny County District Attorney's office.
Neighborhood Services
Vacation Security Check
Complete the Vacation Check Request form to request that police perform security checks on your premises while you are away from your residence for extended periods. Complete the form and return it to the police station during regular office hours.
Homeowners Association (HOA) Meetings
Police officers visit neighborhood meetings to hear concerns, suggestions and feedback or to present crime prevention and safety information.
Halloween Safety Patrols
During Trick-or-Treat each October, police officers patrol the neighborhoods and distribute safety materials.
Outreach
Coffee with the Chief
The police chief periodically appears at various township venues to provide residents, business owners and community members with opportunities to share comments, ask questions and offer suggestions.
Identity Theft and Scam Prevention
Police officers visit homeowner groups, senior citizen residences and other meetings and facilities to educate people about protecting against identity theft and other scams.
Chief's Corner Blog
The police chief shares tips and information in his blog posts to enhance and encourage public safety.
Police News
Sign up to receive emails or texts of the latest police department news.
Publications
South Fayette Connect, the official magazine of South Fayette Township, regularly publishes police news and information. In addition, the police department occasionally publishes special educational materials.
Personal Safety
Domestic Violence
Lethality Assessment Program
Police officers use the Lethality Assessment Program to identify high-risk domestic violence victims and immediately connect them to local, community-based resources. This action helps protect the safety of victims at high risk of death or serious injury at the hands of a current or former spouse or intimate partner.
Domestic Violence Assistance
If you are a victim of family violence or know someone who is, you can contact:
- 911 for immediate help
- Allegheny County District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
- 24-hour hotline: 412-687-8005
Megan's Law
Megan's Law, Act 24 of 1995 and subsequently amended, was enacted to protect the safety and welfare of the general public by providing for registration of sexual offenders and for registration and community notification of sexually violent predators. As a service to the residents of South Fayette Township, the Pennsylvania State Police website contains information about registered sexually violent predators in Pennsylvania.
Safe Exchange Location
Internet Purchase Exchanges & Custody Exchanges
A parking area at the South Fayette Township police station has been designated a safe Internet Purchase Exchange Location.
Residents conducting business with strangers through an online buy, sell, barter or trade website may meet at the location for the exchange.
The area also may be used for custody exchanges.
The area, designated by a sign, is under 24/7 video surveillance and serves as a potential deterrent to criminal intentions.
Special Needs
"Occupant with Autism" Car Signs
Free car magnets and decals indicating that a person aboard a vehicle has autism are available at the police station during regular office hours.
The signs are supplied by the Kaleidoscope Therapy Center / Autism Open in Washington County to help public safety officials deal appropriately and safely with autistic passengers.
Special Needs Registry
The Allegheny County Special Needs Registry allows residents with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities to voluntarily provide information to the county Department of Emergency Services. The information may then be shared with first responders who are called to a home for a police, fire or medical emergency.
Training
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
Community organizations and businesses may request free community safety training in a program called Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE). Certified police officers explain what to do during an emergency in which someone is shooting a gun or using another type of weapon with the intent of killing a mass number of people.
Youth
Car Seat Inspections
A police officer certified in child passenger safety offers inspections of child car seat installations. Citizens first should install the car seat in their vehicle, and then the officer will inspect it and help adjust the installation if necessary. Please call 412-221-2170 to make an appointment for this free service.
Station Tours
Police station tours may be scheduled for youth community groups or school field trips upon request. The department hosts South Fayette kindergarten students every year.