Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Official Twitter account for the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency. If you are in danger, dial 911. Account not monitored 24/7.

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed. This week, PCCD's School Safety and Security Committee approved 353 applications totaling nearly $20M to help our schools strengthen security measures, address violence, and expand access to student mental health services.

This builds on the @GovernorShapiro + @LGAustinDavis Admin’s commitment to school safety. Since taking office, Pennsylvania has awarded nearly $400 million to more than 1.1K public and private schools across the Commonwealth.
When students feel supported, they are better positioned to learn, grow, and succeed.
See the full list of awards here: https://t.co/owgiovNW2A

#MentalHealthMatters #SchoolSafety #StudentSuccess #PennsylvaniaYouth

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

Solving the crisis of gun violence in our communities means looking at the whole picture – and that includes making sure gun dealers are operating responsibly, not profiting off of gun violence.

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

Political violence is too common in America.  

It is on all of us to come together, bridge our divides, and find ways to solve our differences without the threat of violence.

[Governor Josh Shapiro @GovernorShapiro]

For over 50 years, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) has not only provided essential resources and services for victims, but they’ve also worked to amplify the voices of survivors, raise awareness, and reduce stigma.

This work is important to me and my Administration — and we’re proud to support the work they do every day.

We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s more work to do — and organizations like PAAR need our support. I look forward to working with the legislature to deliver just that.

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

An act of gun violence is what brought me to public service, just like so many young voices, advocates, and elected leaders throughout this country. From gun suicide, to mass shootings, accidental discharges, and homicides, every death from gun violence is a tragedy but 100% preventable.

During this National Gun Violence Awareness Month, we honor every life lost to gun violence by making our communities safer and fighting for progress.

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

Today, PCCD's Office of Gun Violence Prevention launched the first in a series of regional listening sessions, bringing together partners from across South Central Pennsylvania to discuss what’s working, where challenges remain, and how we can continue building safer communities together.

In South Central Pennsylvania alone:
► Homicides decreased 33% from 2023 to 2024
► Domestic violence fatalities declined nearly 45%
► More than 80% of students report it would be difficult to obtain a handgun

Read about today's event and learn what's local leaders are doing in South Central Pennsylvania: https://t.co/rwsWfqCAII

#GunViolenceAwarenessMonth #GunViolencePrevention #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

DYK?
Each year across the Commonwealth:
· Nearly 150K individuals are served through VOCA-funded programs
· About 12K VCAP claims are filed for expenses like medical care[SA1] , counseling, and relocation
· Over the past five years, $67M has been distributed to support victims

These services are critical and depend on sustainable funding. Continued action is needed to ensure victims can access the support they deserve.

In April, at the Capitol rally marking #CrimeVictimsRightsWeek, @LGAustinDavis called on the U.S. Senate to act on critical legislation to strengthen funding for victim services.
Read more here: https://t.co/rZlMKwBj6A
#ProposedStateBudget #PennsylvaniaVictimServices

[Governor Josh Shapiro @GovernorShapiro]

You are free to be who you are and love who you love without fear here in Pennsylvania.

We will continue to rise above the hate and division we see too often across this country, and keep fighting to advance real freedom all across our Commonwealth.

Happy Pride Month, Pennsylvania!

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

Treatment courts across the Commonwealth are changing lives and strengthening communities. During #NationalTreatmentCourtMonth, PCCD recognizes the treatment courts, professionals, and community partners working every day to support recovery, accountability, and long-term stability across Pennsylvania.

Since funding Pennsylvania’s first drug treatment court in Philadelphia in 1999, PCCD has:
· Invested in intermediate punishment programs
· Strengthened partnerships through Criminal Justice Advisory Boards (CJABs)
· Expanded access to drug, DUI, and mental health courts statewide
· Provided training and technical assistance for local courts and partners

This work continues to make a difference today through strong local partnerships and evidence-based approaches that strengthen communities across the Commonwealth.

#TreatmentCourtMonth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #RecoveryandResilance #PennsylvaniaTreatmentCourt

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

Understanding student experiences is essential to building safer, healthier schools.
@AllentownSD has been a strong partner in this work—using data to help shape programs and supports for students. PCCD visited Allentown School District to see how PA’s School Safety and Security Grant funding is helping strengthen student mental health supports and improve school safety.
Since 2023:
• $1.3M+ invested in Allentown SD
• Nearly $400M awarded statewide to 1,100+ schools

Recent Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) data also shows encouraging improvements in student mental health and school safety perceptions.
• 72.8% of students report good mental health
• Suicide attempts decreased from 10.6% to 4.5%
• Lifetime alcohol use dropped from 30.5% to 18.8%
• 81.4% of students report feeling safe at school

Visit PCCD’s newsroom to read more about today’s visit and how the @GovernorShapiro - @LGAustinDavis Admin is investing in PA’s future: https://t.co/eD9vZaEU76

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

#ICYMI: The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (@PADMVA) recently launched a statewide #SuicidePrevention initiative to support service members, veterans, and their families— this investment is funded through PCCD’s Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP).

This investment will help:
· Expand suicide prevention outreach + education
· Promote lethal means safety + safe firearm storage
· Provide resources like cable locks + secure storage devices
· Strengthen connections + support systems for veterans

Firearm suicide prevention is a key focus area of Pennsylvania’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Through collaboration like this, PCCD is supporting evidence-based programs that reduce risk, promote safety, and save lives.
Read more about this partnership here: https://t.co/Hxi0x0lMQ2

Explore data, tools, and #GunViolencePrevention resources at https://t.co/VB61rQT45U
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #PennsylvaniaVeterans

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

Crime can leave deep emotional and financial scars. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) wants every survivor to know: you don’t have to bear those burdens on your own.
You don’t have to face this hardship alone:
https://t.co/Dn4YW8F4Ml

[Governor Josh Shapiro @GovernorShapiro]

This Memorial Day, we remember the brave Pennsylvanians and Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Here in Pennsylvania, we commit every day to upholding the fundamental freedoms they fought so hard to protect. May their memories forever be a blessing.

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

Since the start of this nation, Pennsylvanians have been called up to defend their Commonwealth and defend their country against threats to our freedoms, at home and abroad. Too many of us have made the ultimate sacrifice. Too many soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen did not come home to their families and loved ones.

On this Memorial Day, we honor their memories and pray for the families whose fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters aren’t with them tonight. May their memories be a blessing.

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

As Lieutenant Governor, it’s an honor to also serve as the Chairman of the Board of Pardons and recommend pardons for the Pennsylvanians who have turned their lives around and now serve their communities.

Edwin Desamour earned a pardon himself in 2024 and now serves his community as Executive Director of The Lighthouse, working to make sure kids make good choices and stay away from violence.

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

Over the past three years, I have worked with our state partners to provide state investments to local organizations that provide safe and enriching programs to children and teenagers to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

The Lighthouse in Kensington is one of these places and was recently awarded $500,000 to support their engaging programs for youth and families.

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

Everyone deserves to be safe and feel safe in their own communities. That’s why we’ve directed state grants to violence prevention programs so that children can access educational and recreational places outside of school.

https://t.co/I1KTUatTIK

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

The right to worship freely and without the threat of violence is fundamental in this country— and it’s on all of us to ensure that remains true.

The shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego today is heartbreaking and I am deeply saddened not just for the community in California, but also for the Pennsylvanians who are reminded of similar threats and acts of violence directed at their places of worship like the Tree of Life Synagogue. In PA, we take every threat seriously and will continue to do so to keep everyone, regardless of who you pray to, safe.

My prayers are with the families whose loved ones aren’t coming home tonight. May their memories be a blessing.

[Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @LGAustinDavis]

Polls are now open, Pennsylvania!

Go to https://t.co/L4iXRaBgs1 to find your polling place and more information about how you can cast your ballot today to have your voice heard.

[Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency @PaCrimeComm]

ICYMI: The @GovernorShapiro + @LGAustinDavis Admin is driving progress in the criminal justice system.

Since 2023, PCCD has provided $22.5 million to help counties across Pennsylvania improve the capacity and effectiveness of indigent defense services.
PCCD supports indigent defense efforts to ensure a more balanced and effective justice system.
With previous funding, counties have:
· Added nearly 40 new positions
· Modernized case management systems
· Strengthened their ability to serve communities

Read more about this and other major investments happening in Pennsylvania: https://t.co/fsNbwtZkrV