Pittsburgh Police Station Left Unlocked After Power Outage

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — A Pittsburgh police station was left unlocked and unmanned for hours after a windstorm knocked out power to the facility last month, raising concerns about security and infrastructure failures. The Zone 6 police station in the West End experienced a power outage around 9 p.m., causing the generator and backup battery system to fail, according to an investigation by 11 Investigates.

Chief Investigator Rick Earle reported that the station’s front door, which relies on electricity and a backup battery, remained unlocked after the power failure. A lieutenant arriving at 6 a.m. discovered the unlocked door and an empty station. The overnight desk officer position had been eliminated due to staffing shortages, leaving no one inside the building after 2:30 a.m.

City Councilman Anthony Coghill, who oversees public safety, called the situation “irresponsible.” He emphasized the risks of an unsecured police station, stating, “Anybody off the street could have just walked in there.” The rear door of the station automatically locks during power outages, but the front door’s backup battery failed sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Public safety officials released a statement confirming the incident. They noted that officers had notified their supervisor about the power outage and stationed a sergeant outside the building for additional security. A thorough search and inventory of the station confirmed that no items were stolen and no unauthorized individuals entered the property.

The incident highlights broader concerns about aging infrastructure and staffing challenges within the Pittsburgh Police Department. Coghill pointed to other issues, including failing backup generators, a lack of heat at the police and fire training academy, and deteriorating conditions at city-owned facilities. “I’m at a loss for words as far as the conditions of our buildings,” he said.

In response to the incident, Commander Ray Rippole has ordered at least one officer to remain at the station during power outages. Coghill praised the decision, calling Rippole a “very good commander” who is not afraid to take responsibility. Coghill also advocated for reinstating 24/7 staffing at all police stations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Power has since been restored to the Zone 6 station, and repairs to the generator are underway. Public safety officials say they have taken additional steps to ensure the security of the facility moving forward.