Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto to retire after mounting pressure over side job

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto announced in an email to all officers Friday morning that he’s retiring after only 16 months on the job.

The news came as a surprise to Mayor Ed Gainey, who hired Scirotto last year.

“This is the first time we heard about it, and I understand why he did it, so I appreciated that and we wish him well. We wish him well. He had to do what was best for him and his family and I’ll leave it at that. ,” said Mayor Gainey.

Scirotto returned to Pittsburgh after rising to the rank of Assistant Chief and leaving Pittsburgh in 2018.

Before returning to Pittsburgh, he served a brief stint as the Chief of Police in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Scirotto has been under intense scrutiny after 11 Investigates broke the story last week that he had already returned to refereeing college basketball after he said he wouldn’t do any officiating while he was the chief.

Gainey said he gave Scirotto permission because the murder rate had dropped.

Scirotto planned to do up to 65 games in the Big Ten Conference from November until March, taking him away from the city for as many as 130 out of 150 days.

Scirotto has been a high-level college basketball ref for years. He’s even done some NCAA tournament games.

The police union blasted the move and called Scirotto a part-time chief. They said a full-time chief is needed to deal with all of the changes Scirotto implemented and the severe staffing crisis.

The department is down 100 officers.

The union said Scirotto has made a number of operational and procedural changes to the department.

And City Council had questions too about how many days he would be away.

Councilman Anthony Coghill called for a public hearing next Tuesday to question the chief.

Council unanimously voted to hold the hearing.

“I have a friend who referees and I have a somewhat understanding of the amount of time it takes to perform that duty and the amount of time he would be away from the city so there were concerns,” said Council President Dan Lavelle.

In that email obtained by 11 Investigates, Scirotto called the controversy a “distraction for the department” and said he decided to step down because he wanted to “prioritize the integrity and focus” of the department.

The mayor confirmed again that he had an agreement with Scirotto when he was hired.

Earle: Did you have a deal when he was hired that you revisit basketball?

Gainey: Yes, we talked about it.

But Scirotto told council during his confirmation hearing he wouldn’t officiate while he was the Chief.

Earle questioned city councilman Bobby Wilson.

Earle: Do you think you guys were misled?

Wilson: I mean, I think the majority of people looking at that situation would, you know, heard the interview, heard that this wouldn’t take place. It could have been a much different scenario if everyone had all the information upfront.

Earle also questioned the Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt about the deal.

Earle: Council members said they were never told about that. Was he (Scirotto) hired under false pretenses?

Schmidt: No, he was not.

Earle: Were council members misled?

Schmidt: No, I don’t believe they were.

The city had three finalists for the chief’s job last year and some council members said that critical information about Scirotto returning to officiating could have influenced who they wanted as the new chief.

Assistant Chief Chris Ragland will become the acting chief when Scirotto retires next Friday, Nov. 1.

Ragland has been with the bureau for 30 years.

He was a commander in Zone One, on the North Side and recently orchestrated the plan to clean up downtown.

11 Investigates: What's to come after Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto announces his retirement Assistant Chief Chris Ragland will become the acting chief when Scirotto retires next Friday, Nov. 1.

“There’s many people that respect Chief Ragland. I’m sure there’s some that may not appreciate him all the time, but I think he does a great job,” said Schmidt.

Sources told 11 Investigates that were not surprised by Scirotto’s retirement.

They said that was the plan all along.

Scirotto would return to Pittsburgh and work for one year to pad his pension at a higher rate and then return to officiating.

11 Investigates asked Scirotto about that and he denied that.

He said he was not looking to leave the department. But with the mounting pressure, Scirotto decided to step down.

The city will begin a search for a permanent chief soon.

You can read the full memo sent from Scirotto to the bureau below:

Dear Team,

I am sharing significant news regarding my career and our beloved Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. This morning, I informed Mayor Gainey and Director Schmidt of my intention to retire as Chief of Police, with my last day being November 1st. After 25 years of dedicated service to the Bureau, this decision is rooted in pride, duty, and a deep commitment to our organization and the community we serve. This choice is made by me alone, in the best interest of my officers and the department.

Throughout my career, I have never shied away from a challenge. I have fought tirelessly for what is right, advocating for our officers and the community. Recently, there has been substantial media coverage surrounding my dual role as a collegiate basketball official and the Chief of Police. While I have enjoyed this work and look forward to my upcoming officiating commitments, I recognize that this visibility has become a distraction for the department. I want to let you know that I have not given in to the opinions of a few individuals or the public’s perception; instead, I am making this decision to prioritize the integrity and focus of our department. Optics matter, and my retirement is the right course for all of us.

Serving as your Chief has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Over the past 25 years, I have witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication and professionalism you exhibit daily in your roles. Your commitment to ensuring our city’s and community’s safety does not go unnoticed, and I am incredibly proud to stand alongside such talented and brave individuals. Each of you embodies the spirit of public service, and I have always considered you my extended family.

However, as I take this step back, I must acknowledge that my dual responsibilities have also affected my family. The demands of our work can sometimes strain our personal lives, and I encourage each of you to seek a healthy work-life balance as you continue your careers. Your well-being is paramount, and I hope you find time to prioritize both your professional and personal lives.

As we transition to this new chapter, Assistant Chief Ragland will serve as the acting chief until Mayor Gainey and Director Schmidt determine the next steps. I have complete confidence in his abilities and leadership. He has the knowledge, experience, and integrity to guide us forward, and I know he will lead the Bureau with the same dedication and commitment that we all strive to uphold.

It is crucial to remember that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is more significant than any one individual. The true strength of our organization lies in the collective character, resilience, and commitment of every one of you. Your daily efforts build trust within our community and create a safe environment for all. I am proud of the culture we have made, and I am confident it will continue to thrive.

As I step away on November 1st, I carry countless memories and invaluable lessons learned during my 25 years here. I am grateful for the lifelong friendships I’ve built and the challenges we’ve overcome together. Thank you for your support, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to the community we serve.Let’s continue to uphold the values that make the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police an organization of excellence. Wear your badge with pride, knowing that you are part of a legacy of service that makes a real difference in the lives of our citizens.

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