University Times

Pitt has split its public safety and police forces into separate departments in an efficiency improvement move, according to a Pitt official.

Pitt Police Chief Deborah Furka was named director of the new Office of Public Safety. Timothy Delaney, who served as police commander, was named interim police chief.

The new departmental structure, which went into effect March 1, was announced in a Feb. 20 memo to deans, directors and department heads by Executive Vice Chancellor Jerome Cochran.

Cochran said Furka assumed a redefined role of director of Public Safety. "In this role, Ms. Furka will be directly responsible for working with the University community to establish and manage safety programs, and provide training to create an environment that will be prepared to deal with the ever-changing trends of public safety, emergency management and disaster preparedness" he wrote.

The Department of Public Safety is housed at L-2 Tower A lobby. The police department remains in G1N30 Posvar Hall. Delaney has assumed responsibility for the daily operations and the administration of the Pitt police.

Both officials report directly to Cochran.

Delaney is succeeded in his position as second in command of the police department by Commander Kathy Schreiber. To date, no search has been launched to find a permanent police chief.

–Peter Hart