Pittsburgh Acting Police Chief Chris Ragland says the city’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration will be safe, with dozens of officers patrolling the Downtown event.
The Highmark First Night Pittsburgh celebration — which includes a parade, music, fireworks and other entertainment — is hosted by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust each year. Ragland estimated it typically draws between 30,000 and 50,000 attendees.
Though some people have expressed concerns about Downtown safety, Ragland said safety Downtown is improving and a strong police presence will be in place.
About 80 Pittsburgh police officers — including uniformed and plain-clothed officers, cycle units and SWAT — will be stationed throughout the event’s Downtown footprint.
Ragland said the bureau did not pull any officers from other parts of the city to staff the event, despite persistent staffing concerns.
Partners from Allegheny County Police, the Allegheny County Sheriffs Department, Port Authority Police and Point Park Police also will be on hand, Ragland said. Pittsburgh EMS and fire personnel will coordinate with police.
“They’re going to be proactively patrolling, and they’re going to be a visible presence for us Downtown that day,” Pittsburgh police Cmdr. Tim Novosel said.
Ragland said Pittsburgh’s mounted police unit will be on site, too. City Council cut its funding in the 2025 budget, intending to gradually eliminate the unit over the next year. But Ragland on Monday indicated the future of the mounted unit was still unclear.
“I don’t think a decision has been made with respect to the future of that unit,” he told reporters during a news conference.
Several roads will be closed starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Closures include at 6th Street and Penn Avenue; 7th Street and Fort Duquesne Boulevard; 11th Street and Penn Avenue; 10th Street and Fort Duquesne Boulevard; and 10th Street and Penn Avenue.
Vehicles looking to access parking garages in the closed sections or who are using the valet at the Marriot Hotel will be allowed through, Commander Eric Baker said.
Ragland encouraged people to visit the city and enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities.
“I’m confident in our ability to make this a safe event,” he said.
He urged participants to do their part to ensure the celebration goes smoothly. Kids and teenagers, he said, should be accompanied by an adult. People should dress warm and be prepared for rain.
Anyone who sees something suspicious should report it to any officer Downtown or call 911.
“Our number one priority is ensuring everyone attending First Night Pittsburgh can enjoy the festivities safely,” he said.
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