Crime and Justice

The Jail Collaborative identified four primary recidivism reduction strategies as its focus for this three-year period: 1) ensure high quality, evidence-based programs for people at a higher risk of re-offending; […]

A new and improved security risk classification system was recently implemented in the Allegheny County Jail. Each inmate is assessed through the use of a validated tool and assigned a […]

From January 2005 through July 2015: Aggravated assault rates generally declined in the City of Pittsburgh, but at a slower pace than in comparable cities. Aggravated assault was most prevalent […]

From January 2005 through July 2015: Pittsburgh’s theft rate declined and remained among the lowest in the Pittsburgh Today comparison group. Theft was most prevalent in Pittsburgh’s East End and […]

From January 2005 through July 2015: Robbery rates declined, remaining among the lowest in the Pittsburgh Today comparison group. Robbery was most prevalent in neighborhoods historically beset by violent crime, […]

From January 2005 through 2015: Rape rates fluctuated, but were generally lower by 2015 than they were in 2005. Rape was most prevalent in neighborhoods historically beset by violent crime, […]

From January 2005 through July 2015: Pittsburgh’s motor vehicle theft rate declined sharply and remained the lowest among comparable mid-sized cities. Motor vehicle theft was most prevalent in Pittsburgh’s East […]

From January 2005 through July 2015: Drug violation rates decreased in the City of Pittsburgh, accompanied by reductions in adult and juvenile arrests. As drug violations declined, marijuana made up […]

From January 2005 through July 2015: Burglary rates in Pittsburgh were lower than in most comparable cities. Burglary was most prevalent in Pittsburgh’s East End, North Side and South Side […]

From January 2005 through July 2015: Arson rates increased in the City of Pittsburgh, contrary to trends observed in comparable cities. Arson was most prevalent in the Homewood, North Side […]

Unwieldy case backlogs and delays inspired a number of changes in how the Allegheny County Criminal Court processes cases.  By expediting plea offers, completing discovery and providing evidence at formal […]

Prepared by: Urban Institute Click to read the full report.

Intensive supervision programs like school-based probation are increasingly viewed as a way to generate savings to society, by preventing or reducing the likelihood of crime, as well as to improve […]

Linking provider payments to performance measures is gaining popularity as a way to improve outcomes, efficiency and innovations.  Three performance-based contracting models have been implemented in Allegheny County, targeting: 1) […]

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) worked with Adult Probation to conduct a cost–benefit analysis of Day Reporting Centers (DRC) for offenders who have re-entered the community. The […]