Obtaining Crime and Safety Information

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting Act and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, all University of Pittsburgh students and employees receive updated security information annually. The University also makes information about campus crimes and security available in a variety of other ways that include the following:

  • Pitt provides all prospective students and employees with information on security policies and procedures and how to obtain additional security data.
  • Students receive an electronic notification that explains their personal responsibility to be knowledgeable about the Student Code of Conduct (Code) and the Residential Handbook, as well as a link directing them to the Office of Student Conduct website, where they can review the current versions of the Code: studentaffairs.pitt.edu/conduct
  • Security concerns also may appear in the student newspaper, The Pitt News

The University also has numerous crime prevention workshops and seminars throughout the year on the Pittsburgh campus. These are sponsored by the Pitt Police, Office of Residence Life (for resident students), Student Government Board, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association, Pitt Program Council, and other departments and organizations on campus.

Accessing Campus Crime Reports

The Pitt Police department prepares a daily log of all reported criminal incidents, as well as all fires reported to have occurred in on-campus University housing, and publishes that log on the police Web site. This log contains the nature, date, time, and general location of each crime, as well as its disposition, if known. This log also is available in person at the Jerome Cochran Public Safety Building, 3412 Forbes Avenue, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Q   Where can I find crime reports?
A
   In addition to Web site accessibility, the daily crime log is reported to The Pitt News for dissemination to the Pitt community.

Q   What other crime reports are available?
A
  Crimes reported to the Pitt Police department are submitted monthly to the Pennsylvania State Police for inclusion in the Uniform Crime Report. The Pitt Police also submit an annual report of crime statistics to the U.S. Department of Education; statistics are gathered from the following sources:

  • Pitt Police
  • City police and UPMC hospitals in the Oakland area
  • Offices of Student Life and Residence Life, Student Health Services, University Counseling Center, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, Office of the Dean of Students, and other applicable University officials who have significant responsibility for campus life and activities 

The City of Pittsburgh has an online website for crimes reported to Pittsburgh Police. The Pittsburgh Police interactive crime map can be found on the City of Pittsburgh Police website at pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/violence-dashboards

Q   Do any reports show Pitt’s crime statistics over a longer period?
A
   Yes. In compliance with Chapter 3 of the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting Act and the federal Jeanne Clery Act, the Pitt Police generate a three-year statistical report, which is included in this publication. This report is distributed to all current students, staff, and faculty, while prospective students and employees are notified of its existence, where to find the report online and afforded an opportunity to request and receive a copy.

Megan's Law Information and Criminal Records

Under the federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, any person who is required to register with the commonwealth as a sex offender under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law requirement must notify the state if they are employed or are enrolled as a student at a college or university. The law also requires institutions of higher education to advise the campus community how to obtain information on current registered sexual offenders and predators residing within the campus community. Information regarding registered sex offenders residing in the Oakland area may be obtained by visiting the Pennsylvania Megan’s Law Web site.

Q   Does Pitt screen prospective students for criminal history?
A
   Some graduate school applicants are asked about their criminal history, and federal law requires certain disclosures on financial aid forms.

Student athletes may be required to disclose information in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations.

Q   Does Pitt screen current or prospective employees for criminal history?
A
   The Office of Human Resources conducts background screen­ing for all prospective staff and certain faculty members. Certain prospective employees are also screened in state and federal criminal records databases and the state child abuse registry consistent with the requirements of Act 153. Certain positions, such as those involving hazardous materials, require additional background checks. Pitt will not offer employment to applicants if they have criminal histories that disqualify them from the requirements of the position they are seeking.

Police officers on bikes

2022 Pittsburgh Campus Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics

Learn more about the 2022 Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics.

Firefighter next to truck

Fire Safety Report

Learn more about fire safety around the University of Pittsburgh campus.