The Office of the Chief of Police

Chief Michael Lindenfelser serves as the executive head of the Police Department and is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operation of the agency. Additionally, he oversees departmental planning, personnel management, budgeting, policy development, training, and law enforcement operations while ensuring the Department provides professional and effective police services to the community. Chief Lindenfelser also works closely with Township officials, community organizations, and other public safety agencies to promote public safety and maintain the Department’s standards of service and accountability.

Administrative Division

The Administrative Division is staffed by three professional civilian employees and administrative officers whose primary responsibilities include maintaining departmental records, managing information systems, and supporting the daily administrative operations of the Police Department. The division oversees a wide range of administrative and organizational functions, including records management, data processing, purchasing coordination, personnel and training documentation, departmental technology systems, and policy support. In addition, the division assists with planning, research, and development initiatives, and provides administrative support to the Office of the Chief of Police and the Department’s overall operations, helping to ensure the efficient, professional, and accountable operation of the Department.

Dispatch Center

The Police Department maintains a 24-hour Communications Center responsible for handling direct emergency calls, 911 ring-down emergency calls, walk-in complaints, and non-emergency requests for service. The center is staffed at all times by trained civilian dispatchers or uniformed police officers who coordinate the timely response of police and other emergency services. In addition to dispatching for the Upper St. Clair Police Department, the Communications Center also provides dispatch services for South Hills Cooperative Animal Control for Upper St. Clair residents.

Investigative Division

Three investigators staff this unit of the Police Department. Their responsibilities include conducting extensive follow-up investigations into criminal complaints, gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses, and assisting with the preparation of cases for prosecution. The unit also supports crime prevention efforts and assists with select community outreach initiatives that enhance public safety and awareness.  In addition, the Investigations Unit coordinates cases with local, county, state, and federal agencies and serves as the Department’s liaison throughout the criminal court process. Investigators are also responsible for conducting ChildLine investigations referred to the Department by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

Patrol Division

The Patrol Division comprises the largest segment of the Police Department and provides 24-hour police coverage to the community through four patrol squads operating around the clock. Patrol officers respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service, conduct preliminary investigations, enforce traffic laws, investigate motor vehicle accidents, and proactively patrol neighborhoods and business districts to help maintain public safety and order.

In addition, patrol officers assist residents and visitors, investigate criminal and suspicious activity, make arrests when necessary, prepare reports and related documentation, and work closely with other emergency service agencies during critical incidents. Patrol officers also engage in directed patrols, DUI enforcement, and other proactive policing efforts aimed at crime prevention and community safety.

Traffic Division

The Traffic Division consists of officers dedicated to enforcing the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and promoting roadway safety throughout the Township. In addition to proactive traffic enforcement, the division conducts traffic studies, analyzes crash data and traffic patterns, investigates serious motor vehicle crashes, and addresses community traffic concerns. Officers also conduct DUI and speed enforcement initiatives and work with local, county, and state agencies on roadway safety efforts. The primary goal of the Traffic Division is to maintain the safe and efficient flow of traffic throughout Upper St. Clair through enforcement, education, and prevention initiatives.

Specialty Units 

Mountain Bike and Quad Units

The Department maintains a group of officers who specialize in mountain bike and quad patrol. These officers routinely patrol the larger parks in the Township, which would otherwise be inaccessible by traditional patrol methods. They also assist in larger events like the Fourth of July celebration and USC Community Day.

Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program

The Upper St. Clair Police Department has officers specially trained and certified to enforce commercial vehicle regulations through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). These officers conduct commercial vehicle inspections and enforcement activities aimed at improving roadway safety and ensuring compliance with state and federal motor carrier laws and regulations.

MCSAP officers are responsible for identifying unsafe drivers, impaired or fatigued operators, overweight vehicles, equipment violations, and hazardous conditions that may place the public at risk. They also inspect commercial vehicles for mechanical defects, proper cargo securement, required safety equipment, and compliance with hours-of-service regulations. Through proactive enforcement and education, MCSAP officers work to reduce crashes involving commercial motor vehicles and help keep Township roadways safe for all motorists.

SHACOG Emergency Response Teams

The Upper St. Clair Police Department participates in the South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG) Cooperative Emergency Response Program to better serve the residents of Upper St. Clair. The program includes the following teams:

  • Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)
  • Accident Reconstruction Team
  • Cooperative Investigative Team (CIT)
  • Support Team (Mobile Field Force)

Each team is staffed with officers throughout the South Hills area who have received advanced and specialized training in their specific fields. 

DUI Task Force

The Department is a member of the Mt. Lebanon Area DUI Task Force, which helps keep impaired drivers off of the roadway. The Task Force runs both roving and stationary checkpoints throughout the year. The initiative is funded through grants from PennDOT's Highway Safety Program.