Larry Scirotto confirmed as new Pittsburgh police chief

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Larry Scirotto as the city’s new police chief.

Mayor Ed Gainey nominated the veteran Pittsburgh police officer early this month.

Scirotto, 49, retired from the Pittsburgh police in 2018 as an assistant chief after serving in various roles, from being an officer in the K-9 unit and major crimes division to six years as the city’s Zone 5 commander. He spent 21 of his 23 years in law enforcement in Pittsburgh.

He served as chief of Fort Lauderdale’s police department for less than a year, retiring last year amid controversy over promoting minorities. He has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Fort Lauderdale and has said the promotions were based on merit.

“It’s time to work,” Scirotto said after the unanimous vote.

Scirotto said he felt a public interview held with council members last week “provided our community, our officers with confidence and a blueprint” for the direction he would like to take the bureau.

The new police chief said he is working to ensure officers can “engage in a new way, a new philosophy.”

City Council last week discussed a variety of issues with Scirotto during an hourslong public interview.

“Even though I have known Chief Scirotto previously from having had experience before with him, I have to admit I was really impressed with how prepared he came to answer a multitude of questions that we here at council had,” said Councilman Bruce Kraus, D-South Side.

Kraus called Scirotto “a perfect candidate to fill that position at this difficult and challenging time.”

Councilman Anthony Coghill, D-Beechview, said he was glad to see someone with ties to the Pittsburgh community taking on the position. He touted “the dedication he has to the city, the love he has for the city,” and said he was voting in support of Scirotto after listening to positive opinions from rank-and-file officers.

Scirotto also seemed to have a strong understanding of the challenges facing the police department, including a staffing shortage, Coghill said.

After Tuesday’s vote, Scirotto acknowledged that low staffing levels are an issue he will have to address as chief. He said the bureau can and does reallocate personnel to various zones as needed, and did so this weekend when Zone 5 was in need of additional officers. He also said he would like to move some officers out of support roles to patrol.

“I believe the number we have keeps this city safe,” he said. “We have the capability. We have the ability to move personnel to satisfy any safety concerns.”

Coghill also said he was glad that Scirotto was willing to give up his position as a basketball referee to serve as the city’s police chief. He currently officiates NCAA basketball games, but the mayor said he has agreed not to officiate games while serving as chief.

Scirotto will make $180,000 a year as chief.

He replaces former Chief Scott Schubert, who retired last summer. Deputy Chief Thomas Stangrecki served as acting chief until Scirotto’s appointment was announced and has since returned to the position of deputy chief.

Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, D-West End, said she plans to host a public reception in the coming weeks to give the public an opportunity to interact with the new chief.

“He has not only the personality, but he has a lot of answers,” Kail-Smith said.

Kail-Smith said he believes Scirotto will “do well” and help make officers feel appreciated and unified.

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