Police copy
The PFA Department will transmit a copy of your Temporary PFA order to the police department you identify, where you will be residing. Should you move, it is always a good idea to provide a copy of any current PFA order to your local police department to make them aware of your current residence.
Additional copies may be provided to other police departments (Plaintiff’s work, children’s school, etc.). ANY police department can verify the existence and terms of a PFA Order 24 hours a day and obtain a copy through the PA State Police PFA registry.
Defendant’s copy
If you identify a police department where you believe the Defendant can be located and served, the PFA Department will transmit a copy to that department, along with a request for the police to serve the Defendant at the address/location you provide. The Defendant MUST be served a copy of the PFA Petition and Temporary PFA Order. The Plaintiff should never attempt to personally serve the defendant; however, it is the Plaintiff’s responsibility to see that the Defendant is served with a copy a soon as possible. A competent adult may serve the Defendant, but that person CANNOT be a party in the PFA case or a relative or employee of a party in the case. It is best for service to be made by a law enforcement officer. Police assistance should always be requested when the PFA Order requires the eviction of the defendant from a residence or enforcement of custody and weapons relief.
The Sheriff’s Department, Room 111, Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh PA will serve all Defendants in the Allegheny County Jail or Defendants located outside of Allegheny County, so long as an address is provided.