September 23, 2020

Public Safety

Elizabeth Lewis is the newest addition to the Mt. Lebanon Police Department. Lewis, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Chatham University, comes to the MLPD from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, where she worked for three years in the West End. “I knew I didn’t want an office job,” she says, “and I wanted to do something that was proactive in helping the community.”

PACKAGE SAFETY Most of us have been shopping online more than usual these days, due to the Big Unforeseen Circumstance. If you’re no longer working from home, the Mt. Lebanon Police Department would like to offer some tips on how to protect your packages.

If you have neighbors who are at home, ask them to look out for your deliveries, and maybe bring them into their own homes for safekeeping. If you don’t have stay-at-home neighbors, have your packages delivered to your workplace. If neither scenario works for you, you can always rent a post office box.

Remember to request vacation holds on deliveries, just as you would for mail delivery.

Track your package online. Most delivery services can let you know where your goods are and what time they expect to bring them to your door. Request a signature on delivery.

Install a security camera. Even if you’re not home, the presence of the camera may be enough to discourage someone from coming onto your property. Also, in case of theft, a camera will record some proof.

Cpl. Ben Himan has a ton of technology at his fingertips. /photo: Elizabeth Hruby McCabe

POLICE CENTENNIAL In recognition of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department’s 100th anniversary this year, we have been sharing pieces of police history.

Just like “dropping a dime” or “like a broken record,” the term “cherry top” is one of those things that current generations can only wonder what the heck it even means.

This MLPD patrol car, below left, was state of the art when now-retired Deputy Police Chief Henry Egal was out on the roads.

Deputy Chief Henry Egal with a fortysomething-year-old patrol car.

Today’s vehicles are still state of the art, but the art’s come a long way since this early-’70s photo. Cars are now SUVs. The cherry top has been replaced with a light bar that’s barely visible until it’s activated; spotlights ensure 360-degree nighttime visibility; an in-car camera system syncs with officers’ body-worn cameras and a computer system allows officers to write, issue and print traffic tickets, and access databases that contain, among other things, driver and vehicle information, local, state and federal arrest warrants, concealed firearm carry permits and protection from abuse orders. Caption: