Do door-to-door solicitors need a permit?

Persons or businesses going door to door to sell goods or request donations must obtain a solicitor's permit from the Township. Please ask anyone that knocks on your door to see both their permit. A non-solicitation list is maintained by the Township and provided to all solicitors.  To be added to this list, please call the business office, Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Should a person be soliciting without a valid permit, they are subject to fines and/or arrest. If a solicitor does not have a permit or appears fraudulent, contact the police department by dailing 911. For safety's sake, never pay or donate cash or valuables to a door to door solicitor, whether they appear legitimate or not.

Does the Police Department have a fingerprint program?

Residents who require fingerprinting for employment, security clearances, travel or other official reasons can be fingerprinted by the Police Department. This service is available Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. This service is $10.00 for residents and $15.00 for non residents. Questions should be directed to Detective David Benko, 412-492-2222, ext 427. The form can be downloaded under police department forms on this website.

How do I arrange a tour of the Police Department? What does the tour include?

Tours are scheduled for groups of citizens, students, cub scouts, brownies and other organizations. Tour groups learn about the responsibilities of the station, its personnel and the assigned equipment through both fun and education activities. The tour includes computer room, squad room, cellblock, booking room, police car, and other offices. Information is tailored to the group's needs and age group. Arrangements should be made at least three weeks in advance. Please contact Officer Frank Spiker at 412-492-2222, ext 511.

How do I get a copy of a police report?

The cost for all police and accident reports is $15.00, cash or check made payable to Shaler Township.   Records can be obtained at the Shaler Township Police Office, 300 Wetzel Road, Glenshaw PA 15116 Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.  The office is closed between the hours of 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. If you are unable to request the record in person, mail requests will be honored.  A check must be included with the request for information.  When making the request for a police report, please have the following information available: OR or report number, name of complaintant, date and location of incident.

How do I obtain a Solicitor's Permit?

The Township will issue a Solicitor's Permit to all qualifying organizations and vendors provided the following criteria is met by all applicants:

• A State Police background check must be done and a copy brought to the Shaler Township Manager's office.
• Application form must be completed and signed by the applicant.
• Driver's license must be brought in as identification for permit.
• The fee is $25.00 per month of $50.00 for one year.
• The Township Ordinance can be found online at this site, under Ordinances, Building and Zoning, Chapter 169.
• Applicants will receive a copy of the NO SOLICITATION LIST when the permit is issued.
• No soliciting is permitted before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.

What are the fireworks regulations?

Fireworks can be fun and spectacular, however they can also cause serious injuries and start dangerous fires. It is illegal to possess, transport, discharge or sell fireworks within the township. Only with a fireworks permit from the Township can your event include fireworks. Requirements for a permit include specifications on the launching area, number of fire personnel present and stipulations on the presence of a license pyrotechnic operator at the event. The township enforces the BOCA code which regulates the use of fireworks. Low grade, hand-held sparkling devices are permitted as regulated by State law.  For more information concerning firework regulations, please call the police department at 412-492-2222.

What can be done about telephone solicitations?

Beware of any organization soliciting cash or credit card donations by the telephone. Before you purchase from or donate to anyone soliciting by phone, check with the Better Business Bureau. Be sure to request the name of the company, the tax identification number, a call back number and the name of the representative of the business that has called you. Even if a business is legitimate, it may not be permitted to solicit by telephone.

What constitutes an abandoned vehicle? How do I report one?

Vehicles that have been abandoned for over forty eight hours or do not have a current registration and/or inspection can be reported to be ticketed and or towed. This includes all vehicles in public sight that are inoperable for any reason. Vehicles parked on private property can only be removed by the property owner. The complaintant should contact the police department to report the vehicle at 412-492-2222 or 911. The police department will make every effort to locate the owner and alert them that their vehicle will be ticketed and/or towed.

What do I do if a vehicle is illegally parked?

Owners of vehicles that are parked illegally anywhere public or private in Shaler Township are subject to fines and penalities as outlined in the Township Code and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.  Vehicles parked in fire lanes, intersections, unauthorized parking spots or other illegal locations will be ticketed.  If the vehicle is not moved within 24 hours, it will be towed at the owner's expense. Vehicles parked on private property may be towed only by the owner of the property. Property owners towing any vehicle from their property should notify the police to avoid the vehicle's owner reporting it as being stolen.

Who is the Magisterial District Judge and what does the Magistrerial District Judge do?

Magisterial District Judge Robert Dzvonick, formerly known as the "Magistrate," serves the citizens of Shaler, Reserve, Millvale and Etna by issuing arrest and search warrants and summons, establishing bonds and bonding out citizens who have been arrested. The Magisterial District Judge also issues temporary PFA orders, holds summary and preliminary hearings. The Magisterial District Judge also accepts payment for all traffic and non traffic fines. He also handles civil complaints. His office is located at 1007 Mt. Royal Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15223 p: 412-487-7630.

Will the Police watch my home while I am on vacation?

The Shaler Township Police Department will watch your home while you are on vacation.  Please visit the Public Safety, Police information to download the vacation check request form and fax it to the Shaler Township Police Station.