More Pgh Police Are Making the Call for Involuntary Psych Care
Despite nationwide calls for police to be less involved in responding to mental health crises, new reporting shows Pittsburgh officers are actually filing more 302 petitions — for involuntary psychiatric commitment — than just a few years ago. The overall number of petitions increased by 21% from 2015 to 2021, but the number filed by police grew more than any other group.
PublicSource health reporter Amelia Winger joins us to talk about her reporting digging into the data and why it’s difficult to pinpoint what’s behind the rise in 302s.
You can read Amelia’s reporting on what could be causing the rise here: https://www.publicsource.org/allegheny-county-302-involuntary-outpatient-treatment-western-psych-mental-health-pa/
And you can find her story looking into police involvement here: https://www.publicsource.org/police-intervention-behavioral-health-crisis-response-pittsburgh-allegheny-302-involuntary/
Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz
Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his o...

Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?
City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city...

Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas

What To Eat (and Avoid) at PNC Park
Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpa...

7 Ideas To Make Voting Better in PA
Our primary election is just around the corner on May 19, so it feels like a good time to take stock of how well our voting process actua...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Pittsburghers, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking numbe...

Shapiro v. Chatbots, Market Square Curfew & Summer Music Fests
Gov. Josh Shapiro is suing Character.AI, saying its chatbots are posing as doctors and offering medical advice. Executive producer Mallor...

Green Chile Queso, Gumbo & More New Pittsburgh Food & Drink
So many new restaurants are popping up in Pittsburgh this spring, each fulfilling a specific craving. Longing for gumbo and jambalaya coo...

10 Essential Rules for Surviving Pittsburgh
Pittsburghers have a lot of pride in our city, including our weird quirks and unwritten rules. Like why do neighbors keep putting old fol...

Where To Get Brunch in Pittsburgh
Whether you're celebrating Mother's Day this Sunday or just want a weekend treat, there are so many great brunch options in Pittsburgh. P...


