Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT OTHER SERVICES DOES THE PLUM POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFER?

Residents of Plum Borough can call the police department to schedule a tour of the department for interested youth groups or organizations.  Appointments can also be made to have child car seats installed or checked, initiate a crime watch program, or to be fingerprinted for employment purposes. 

WHEN DO I NEED TO FILE A VEHICLE CRASH REPORT?

There are two classifications of crashes, non-reportable and reportable.

A non-reportable crash occurs when there are no injuries sustained by the occupants and the vehicles involved can be driven from the scene.  It is not necessary to have a police report on file for this type of crash.  However, if you prefer, you can still call the department to have an officer file a report and verify that the information the other motorist provided is accurate and valid.

A reportable crash occurs when injuries are sustained as a result of the crash, or if any of the vehicles involved will need to be towed as a result of disabling damage.   A report is required to be filed by state law.  Failure to notify the police of a reportable crash is an offense under the Motor Vehicle Code.

WILL THE POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPOND IF I LOCK MY KEYS IN THE CAR?

Yes.  After contacting the police department, stay with your vehicle and await the officer's arrival.  You will be asked to sign a damage waiver form prior to the officer attempting to open the door.  There is no charge for this service.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHILE DRIVING?

Allegheny County District Attorney's Office has published guidelines for what to do when stopped by a police officer. This information can be found here.

MY CAR WAS TOWED BY THE PLUM POLICE. WHERE DO I GO TO GET IT BACK?

If you were issued a vehicle release form at the scene of the vehicles removal, you may go directly to the impound lot to retrieve your vehicle. If you do not have a vehicle release form, you will need to stop at the police department to receive your form prior to retrieving your vehicle.

The Plum Borough Police Department contracts two (2) towing services for vehicle removal:

• Clydes Towing  724-334-1500
• Brook’s Towing  412-793-9977

The tow company and location of your vehicle will be documented on your vehicle release form.

HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A PLUM POLICE OFFICER?

If you wish to file a complaint against a Plum Borough Police officer, please contact Chief Lanny Conley by email at lconley@plumboro.com or by phone at 412 795-6800 ext 4324. You will be asked to complete a complaint form documenting the nature of your complaint. This form can be printed from the web site in the "Downloadable Forms" section.

I JUST SAW SOMETHING THAT LOOKED VERY STRANGE, POSSIBLY EVEN A CRIME, BUT I’M NOT SURE IF I SHOULD CALL 911 SINCE IT IS NOT REALLY AN EMERGENY.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The police department encourages you to report any activity that you observe that may seem suspicious or strange.  Often, many crimes go unreported to the police because witnesses are reluctant to call, either because they feel it isn’t important, or because they think they are wasting the police department’s time and it won’t be taken seriously anyway.

We would like to assure you that no call received will be brushed aside or not given the attention that it deserves.  Concerned and observant citizens provide us with some of our most useful information for solving cases.  Your vigilance allows us to do our jobs more effectively, and with greater success. 

Calling the police immediately will allow officers to respond to an area quickly, giving them the opportunity to possibly stop a crime in progress and/or catch those who are responsible for committing it before they have left the area.

I AM GETTING AN ALARM INSTALLED IN MY HOME. DO I NEED TO REGISTER IT WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?

Yes. Plum Borough ordinance requires all residential and business alarms to be registered with the Police Department.

Registration forms are available from the Police Departments’ Records Division during regular business hours or may be printed from this website. Visit the "Downloadable Forms" section and select either Business or Residential Alarm Registration. 

For more specific information about alarm registration requirements, please contact the police records division at 412-795-6800 ext 4301.

DOES PLUM BOROUGH HAVE A DOG ORDINANCE?

Yes, Plum Borough has an ordinance which defines the responsibilities of dog owners within the Borough.  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also has a dog law which requires the owner of any dog to keep at all times such dog either: confined within the premises of the owner, firmly secured by means of a collar and chain or other device so that it cannot stray beyond the premises on which it is secured; or under the reasonable voice control of some person. Dogs are also required to be licensed, quarantined if they bite an individual, and vaccinated. Dog license applications are available from the Allegheny County Treasurers Office. You can get more information about dog licenses by visiting their web site at http://www.alleghenycounty.us/treasurer/dog.aspx