Latrobe Police Department

04/17/2026

To our friends, neighbors, and visitors,

I want to take a moment to recognize something that often goes unspoken: the strength, support, and input of our community. The City of Latrobe is what it is because of you. Your engagement, your feedback, and your willingness to stand alongside us play a direct role in how we serve.

Our officers come to work each day committed to giving their very best in every situation. That said, I understand there are times when our responses or actions may not appear to align with what someone expected at that moment. Please know this: policing is often complex, and decisions are made based on training, law, safety considerations, and information that may not always be visible to those observing. There is often more taking place behind the scenes than can be immediately understood.

That does not mean your perspective does not matter. In fact, it matters greatly.

I welcome conversation. If you ever have concerns, questions, or even ideas on how we can improve, I encourage you to reach out to me directly. We are always striving to grow, adapt, and better serve this community.

As we move into the summer months, our city comes alive. With events, visitors, and increased activity, our responsibility grows, and so does our presence. You will see us out there, and I want you to know we are always approachable. Stop and talk to us. Engage with us. That connection matters.

At the same time, please remember that our officers are no different from you in terms of respect. Just as you expect to be treated with dignity, so do they. Mutual respect is the foundation of every positive interaction.

Let’s continue to look out for one another. Show kindness whenever possible. Be patient, be understanding, and strive to be harmonious in your daily interactions, whether with our officers or with each other.

We are here for you, above all else,
the safety and well-being of every person in this community.

Respectfully,
Chief Bosco

04/08/2026

Community Alert: Scam Awareness

I want to take a moment to address an issue that continues to impact communities across the country and, unfortunately, right here at home.

Please note: No legitimate government agency, police department, or reputable company will ever ask for payment via gift cards such as Visa, Apple, Google Play, or similar methods.

If someone is:

Asking you to purchase gift cards to resolve an issue, telling you to stay on the phone while you complete a payment, and instructing you not to speak with anyone else during the process, claiming to be from law enforcement, Microsoft, or any other “urgent authority” demanding immediate payment

You are dealing with a scam.

These scams come in many forms: calls claiming to be from “Microsoft Security,” fake law enforcement threats, IRS-style demands, utility shutoff warnings, and more. The tactics may change, but the goal is always the same: to pressure you into sending money quickly before you have time to think.

Take a moment. Pause. Verify.

If something feels off, it probably is.

If you receive a suspicious call, message, or request for money, please contact the police department immediately. We are here to help you determine what is legitimate and what is not.

Please also take the time to share this information with family members, especially those who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams.

In the very near future, we will be hosting a community event to further explain the different types of scams that we are addressing weekly to keep you better informed.

Stay alert, stay informed, and look out for one another.

Chief Richard Bosco

04/04/2026

Happy Easter to Our friends, neighbors, and visitors.

We want to extend warm wishes to every member of our community, regardless of denomination or belief.

May this season bring you hope, renewal, and moments of joy with family and friends. If you celebrate Easter, Passover, or any other tradition, please know you’re part of our community and our shared commitment to safety and respect.

Our goal today and every day is to foster peace in your lives and in our neighborhoods. We recognize that peace looks different for each person; we strive to support that peace through listening, understanding, and responsive, compassionate policing.

We also know that there will be those who are at odds with us. We continue to resolve all conflicts in the most appropriate way we know. If you need us, we’re here, and we will provide the same considerate service to all. The Latrobe Police Department stands ready to serve with fairness, transparency, and empathy for all.

Our officers extend their best wishes to you all. This Easter season, may your days be more at ease, your homes safe, and your spirits uplifted. Wishing you peace when possible, and safety in every step you take.

From all of us at the Latrobe Police Department, thank you for being part of our community. Happy Easter and a peaceful season to everyone.

Chief Bosco

04/02/2026

PSA.

Citizens, neighbors, and friends we need your assistance and cooperation.

I’m reaching out about a citywide concern that affects us all and that is traffic speeds and aggressive driving. This time of year, as winter ends and more people are outside enjoying sidewalks, bike paths, and local activities, it’s essential that we all slow down and drive with care.

Why this matters even more now:

Increased pedestrian and cyclist activity on sidewalks, crosswalks, and shared paths.

More families, kids, and visitors enjoying our streets after a long winter.

The potential for serious injuries or tragedies when speeding or not following traffic controls occurs.

What you can do to help us help you.

Slow down and stay within posted speed limits wherever you are in Latrobe.

Keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and people crossing streets, particularly near parks, schools, and residential areas.

Obey traffic control devices (signals, stop signs, yield signs, school zone lights) and come to a complete stop when required.

Avoid distractions (phones, loud music, etc.) so you can react quickly to pedestrians and cyclists.

Be mindful of buses, construction zones, and neighborhoods where children may be present.

Please remember that this is a shared responsibility.

This isn’t just a police issue, although we do address it and have traffic control out every day, we cannot be on every street in every part of the city, therefore it’s a community effort.

Slower speeds save lives, protect families, and keep Latrobe a welcoming place for everyone. Your deliberate actions behind the wheel have real consequences.

If you witness dangerous driving, please report it to our non-emergency lines, 724-537-5526 so we can respond appropriately. For emergencies, call 911.

Thank you for helping to keep Latrobe safe as we transition into a busier season. Your cooperation and consideration make a difference.

Chief Bosco

04/01/2026

02/26/2026

This pup is looking for its humannn, Found in Lawson heights near Latrobe 30 plaza

02/20/2026

Dear Friends, neighbors, and residents,

I want to take a moment to talk with you, not just about policing, but about people, perspective, and the shared responsibility we all carry in our community.

Over the past several weeks, friends of our community have contacted me, offering to partner with us in helping our officers better understand and interact with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. That kind of outreach speaks volumes about who we are as a community, and it matters.

Every day, our officers answer calls for service that are as unique as the individuals involved. Our officers are required to complete extensive training and ongoing in-service education. This provides a strong and necessary foundation. But the reality is that no amount of training can fully prepare someone for every human situation they encounter.

That is especially true when it comes to interacting with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While all of our officers receive training in crisis response, the depth and real-world application of understanding IDD continue to be an area where growth and continued focus are essential.

Policing is not one-size-fits-all, because people are not one-size-fits-all.

The most important quality an officer can bring to this profession is empathy, grounded in professionalism. The ability to slow down, listen, and understand before acting often makes the difference between escalation and resolution. Not every call is a crime; sometimes it is simply someone in need.

When our officers respond to a call, there is a process of receiving information, observing the environment, making contact, assessing the situation, taking appropriate action, and documenting the outcome. But within that structure is something far more important: human judgment. That judgment matters most in moments where behavior may be misunderstood.

I have personally been on calls where what initially appeared to be suspicious or non-compliant behavior was, in fact, a person overwhelmed, confused, or afraid. In those moments, slowing things down, reducing stimulation, and communicating clearly can completely change the outcome.

What may look like defiance is often something very different. This is where I ask our community for something. I ask for understanding not only for individuals with special needs but also for the officers you may see interacting with them.

We ask that each of us take a moment before judging a person or situation. Recognize that what you are seeing is often only a small part of a much larger picture. Our officers are trained to assess, adapt, and respond with the goal of protecting life, maintaining dignity, and resolving situations safely. Just as importantly, we continue to learn.

Specialized training is critical, and we are committed to ensuring our officers receive it. We are also committed to working alongside caregivers, advocates, and members of the IDD community, because the best learning comes from listening.

Policing, at its core, is about people.

Here in our department, we teach and emphasize that every person deserves patience. Every person deserves dignity. We ask that every interaction, whether you are a resident, a caregiver, or an officer, be an opportunity to show compassion and understanding.

Latrobe has always been a community that looks out for one another. This is simply another way we continue to live that value together.

Respectfully,
Chief Bosco

02/20/2026

**OWNER FOUND**

This fine furry friend was recovered by our department early this morning near the intersection of depot and lincoln road. Please help us in finding his home. Call the department at 724-537-5526

Thank you in advance for all that you do

02/19/2026

**OWNER FOUND***

VERY friendly and energetic pup found on Ligonier street by Holy Family Church. Please call 724 537 5526 ASAP if you know where I belong

02/13/2026

**OWNER FOUND**
Found on Tacoma near the hospital. Please call 724 537 5526 if you know my parents

02/10/2026

To all of our residents, neighbors, and friends,

Every day, the men and women of our police department place themselves in situations most people never see and rarely think about. Policing is not confined to the moments captured in headlines. It lives in the quiet risks: walking toward uncertainty, making split-second decisions under stress, and standing between danger and the people we serve. These risks are accepted not for recognition, but out of duty, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our community.

That said, there are moments when service rises even further when strength and courage are displayed beyond what is reasonably expected, and when officers act decisively in the face of real danger to protect others.

It is my honor to recognize four members of our department who received the Departmental Citation Award for 2025. This award is presented to officers who demonstrate acts of strength and courage above and beyond the call of duty.

This year’s recipients are:

Corporal Matthew Reeves
Officer Jason Myers
Officer Zachary Gustafson
Officer Andrew Ong

Further recognition within the department is the Officer of the Year award. This honor is especially meaningful because it is peer-driven, presented to the officer or officers whom fellow members of the department select in recognition of outstanding actions, dedication, and service. It reflects not only professional excellence but also the respect and trust earned from those who serve alongside them every day. This year's awardees are:

Officer Zachary Gustafson
Officer Andrew Ong

Each of these officers faced circumstances that carried inherent risk and uncertainty, and each responded with professionalism, resolve, and selfless commitment to the safety of others. Their actions reflect the very best of our department and serve as a reminder that courage in policing is often quiet, steady, and deeply human.

To Corporal Reeves and Officers Myers, Gustafson, and Ong, thank you for your bravery, your dedication, and your willingness to step forward when it mattered most. Your service does not go unnoticed, and our community is safer because of you.

Please join me in congratulating these officers and thanking all of our personnel who face the risks of policing every day with integrity, compassion, and courage.

Respectfully,
Chief Bosco

02/07/2026

PSA: A update on our snow recovery

Friends and neighbors, we’re still recovering from the record-breaking snowfall this past week, and I’m asking for your continued support and patience as we push through this together.

Our public works department, along with numerous contractors the city has hired, are still working diligently to move as much snow as possible. We know the pace isn’t perfect, and yes, the schedule has faced delays but the effort carries on, and so does ours.

A new challenge is slowing things down: many households are pushing, plowing, or blowing snow back into the streets. This not only violates state law and city code, but it also undermines the work we’re trying to do. When plows come back through, they end up pushing the snow right back where it came from.

Please, refrain from putting snow back onto the streets. If caught, fines may be issued. This is the last thing we want at the end of this long endeavour.

Let’s be considerate of our neighbors and the city workers who are doing their best to help us all.

Thank you for understanding and for doing your part.

Respectfully
Chief Bosco