10/02/2024 | Press release | Archived content
The Indiana Area Collaborative Team (I-ACT) was formed in 2014 in response to concerns of mass gatherings and dangerous behaviors in the community-at that time, related to students and their visitors to IUP during the spring semester. I-ACT includes representatives from law enforcement, government, and IUP, who meet on a regular basis throughout the year.
For the last decade, I-ACT has maintained its focus on proactive measures to mitigate large gatherings and disruptive behaviors leading to potential safety concerns in the community, inviting participation from community stakeholders and agencies who are actively working on safety and security issues every day in our communities across Indiana County.
It has become clear to I-ACT, especially during our community-wide meetings held in the fall and spring, that a safe and secure community doesn't happen by accident, and we are not immune from the rest of the world. The responsibility for a safe community falls well beyond professionals in emergency services agencies.
Fortunately, we are a community that recognizes this and needs the help of every citizen, recognizing that we all have a role to play, including making responsible choices to keep ourselves and our families, friends, and neighbors safe and secure no matter where they are in the world, but especially during times where you may be engaged in large events and/or large gatherings.
To that end, I-ACT, on behalf of the agencies and organizations that we represent, want to remind you of the following proactive safety measures we ask you to consider putting into practice, especially as we look forward to IUP Homecoming and other high-celebratory events and holidays:
Additional information about crime prevention and safety is readily available from the Indiana Borough Police, IUP Police, or the Pennsylvania State Police. Your local law enforcement agencies are committed to providing the best possible service to the citizens of the county and appreciate all of your support. Law enforcement also would like to thank everyone for all their assistance throughout the years and for helping us make Indiana County a great place to live.
If you experience a crime or tragedy, Indiana County offers many resources to help and support you; law enforcement is a place to start to get this information. Citizens can follow law enforcement on X (formerly Twitter) for updates about programs and investigations, @PSPTroopAPIO. Citizens can follow the Indiana Borough Police on Facebook at Indiana Borough Police Department and can get information about IUP Police on the University Police website.
Indiana County can take great pride in its ongoing efforts to create and maintain a safe community for all of its residents and visitors. Members of our law enforcement and emergency services agencies are dedicated, experienced, and well trained; our local regional medical center has top-notch doctors, nurses, and technicians, who provide quality care through proactive wellness programming as well as emergency care, 24/7, right here in our community; community leaders, businesses, neighborhood watch group volunteers, human service agencies and support organizations including our churches and clergy, all come together to provide support to our community residents and visitors.
Thank you for all that you continue to do to maintain a safe-and a wonderful-life in Indiana County.