After being nominated to serve as Pittsburgh’s next police chief in February, Acting Police Chief Christopher Ragland withdrew his name from consideration and will retire from the police force.
Ragland’s possible promotion to full-time chief was met with criticism from members of Pittsburgh City Council and the Pittsburgh chapter of the NAACP, who cautioned against a hasty recommendation done without consulting others or without community input.
While the confirmation of Larry Scirotto did not involve community transparency meetings like what were wanted with Ragland, Scirotto’s sudden departure to continue officiating NCAA basketball games left members of City Council frustrated.
In a prepared statement, Mayor Ed Gainey expressed disappointment over Ragland’s decision.
“I receive the Chief’s news with regret,” Gainey said. “I felt he was the right man for the job and brought integrity and courage to a difficult position. I also respect his reasons for making his choice, and I believe it was a difficult decision for an officer who has given so much to our city.
Public forums on Ragland’s nomination were originally scheduled to occur from March through April, according to the mayor’s office.
During a March 5 City Council meeting, members grilled Ragland for stepping down over concerns on transparency, with councilmember Anthony Coghill, who represents Beechview, saying “good riddance” when speaking about the then-nominated chief.
Ragland, on the other hand, said during a press conference about his departure that his decision to step down was based on requests made to him that he said went against his personal ethics and morals.
“When you are faced or requested or demanded to do certain things that maybe go against your bright lines, then you have to be prepared to walk away,” Ragland said. “That’s what I’m doing today.”
Martin Devine, who Gainey said has been with the Pittsburgh Police since 2000, will serve as the new acting chief. It is unclear if Devine will go through a similar community review process that was wanted with Ragland after his nomination.
