Pittsburgh police chief asks St. Patrick’s Day paradegoers to be vigilant

Pittsburgh police Chief Jason Lando said authorities are not aware of any credible threats ahead of Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.But Lando said the public should be vigilant, especially in light of the war in Iran and the Middle East.”We know there’s a lot going on in the world right now. There are no specific threats to our area, but it’s something that our intelligence analysts and our detectives are constantly monitoring behind the scenes,” Lando said.Last year, the parade drew more than 200,000 spectators.Lando said officers will focus their efforts on the areas with the biggest crowds — downtown, the North Shore and the South Side.On Thursday, Mayor Corey O’Connor said the city is facing a $30-$40 million budget deficit.But Lando said police will not skimp on overtime or extra patrols during the parade.”When it comes to our large-scale events, the number one priority is the safety of the public, and that comes before anything else,” Lando said.The chief said the public will be able to contact police using QR codes posted around the city. He said the QR codes should only be used for non-emergencies.”If it is an emergency, if you see something that just doesn’t feel right, that you think the police need to be made aware of right away, please don’t use the QR code. Just call 911 and let us come out and investigate,” Lando said.Starting Friday night, police will tag and tow vehicles parked along the parade route — Liberty Avenue, Grant Street and Boulevard of the Allies.Downtown streets will close starting at 7 a.m. Saturday.

PITTSBURGH —

Pittsburgh police Chief Jason Lando said authorities are not aware of any credible threats ahead of Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

But Lando said the public should be vigilant, especially in light of the war in Iran and the Middle East.

“We know there’s a lot going on in the world right now. There are no specific threats to our area, but it’s something that our intelligence analysts and our detectives are constantly monitoring behind the scenes,” Lando said.

Last year, the parade drew more than 200,000 spectators.

Lando said officers will focus their efforts on the areas with the biggest crowds — downtown, the North Shore and the South Side.

On Thursday, Mayor Corey O’Connor said the city is facing a $30-$40 million budget deficit.

But Lando said police will not skimp on overtime or extra patrols during the parade.

“When it comes to our large-scale events, the number one priority is the safety of the public, and that comes before anything else,” Lando said.

The chief said the public will be able to contact police using QR codes posted around the city. He said the QR codes should only be used for non-emergencies.

“If it is an emergency, if you see something that just doesn’t feel right, that you think the police need to be made aware of right away, please don’t use the QR code. Just call 911 and let us come out and investigate,” Lando said.

Starting Friday night, police will tag and tow vehicles parked along the parade route — Liberty Avenue, Grant Street and Boulevard of the Allies.

Downtown streets will close starting at 7 a.m. Saturday.