Sources: Larry Scirotto in line to be next Pittsburgh police chief

Rich Pierce
·2 min read

Pittsburgh’s next police chief has been chosen. Channel 11′s Chief Investigator Rick Earle confirmed Thursday evening that Larry Scirotto will become the bureau’s next chief of police.

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Scirotto is no stranger to the city of Pittsburgh. He served as an assistant chief in the department for years before stepping down in 2018.

Most recently, he was forced to resign as chief of police in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The resignation followed complaints of hiring and promotions that improperly favored minority candidates.

Channel 11 told you earlier this month that Scirotto was one of three finalists for the job, besting another former Pittsburgh officer Jason Lando and former Boise, Idaho chief Ryan Lee. Lee had been forced to resign after allegedly injuring another officer during a tactical demonstration.

“I am somewhat surprised,” Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s Citizens Police Review Board Beth Pittenger said. She told Channel 11 she’s skeptical of the hire.

“There’s nothing in particular about Mr. Scirotto I would find offensive. But we know there was somewhat of a negative experience in his last position. He was terminated,” Pittenger said.

“There was a whole process that was utilized that has not been disclosed. You hear a lot of rumors. I think it would be to everyone’s benefit if the whole process was simply disclosed.”

An official announcement could come in the next several days.

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