Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office: Juvenile Division – Pittsburgh, PA

Security for Family and Juvenile Courts

The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office – Juvenile Division is stationed within the Family Law Center (formerly the county jail) on Ross Street. This specialized division is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the judges, staff, and public involved in Family Division and Juvenile Court proceedings. Given the sensitive and often emotional nature of family court cases, the deputies here are trained to handle high-conflict situations with professionalism.

Operational Duties

Unlike standard patrol units, this division focuses on the judicial environment:

• Courtroom Security: Deputies maintain order within courtrooms during hearings related to juvenile delinquency, dependency, custody, and support.
• Prisoner Transport: The division is responsible for the secure transport of juveniles in custody to and from detention centers for their court appearances.
• Warrant Service: Executing bench warrants issued by Family Court judges, often related to failure to appear or non-payment of support.
• Facility Protection: Monitoring the entrances and perimeter of the 440 Ross Street complex.

Location and Access

The office is located in the renovated historic building connected to the main courthouse by the famous ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Access to the building is strictly controlled; all visitors must pass through rigorous security screening, including x-ray machines and metal detectors. Prohibited items, such as weapons of any kind, are strictly confiscated. The division works closely with the Fifth Judicial District to ensure smooth court operations.