Mayor Ed Gainey's pick for Pittsburgh police chief, Christopher Ragland, is withdrawing name, leaving force
Acting Pittsburgh Police Chief Christopher Ragland has withdrawn his name from the nomination process, and will not become the permanent bureau police chief, sources have told KDKA-TV. Ragland has decided to leave the bureau altogether.
Ragland was Mayor Gainey's pick to steady the police bureau and become the permanent replacement of former Chief Larry Scirotto.
Ragland, a 31-year career police veteran, had served as chief in an acting capacity since Scirotto retired last fall to become a full-time college basketball referee.
After surviving three months in an acting capacity, Mayor Gainey had tabbed him to become the permanent successor. Ragland faced opposition on City Council and from some community groups who delayed his confirmation and called for a series of public hearings.
Sources say Ragland became frustrated with the process and feared his nomination had become a "political football," and that someone or some members on council pressured him into promoting favored individuals in exchange for becoming chief.
Sheehan: Were you pressured by anyone on council to make certain personnel decisions if you became chief?
Ragland: All I'm going to say is during this process, I didn't feel I could lead the bureau in a way that was morally, ethically in line with my thoughts and desires.
Councilman Anthony Coghill told KDKA-TV that he had recommended certain people for promotion, but denied any quid pro quo, and said he believed Ragland would have been approved after the community meetings.
"I don't think that we drove him away by any means," Coghill (D-Beechview) said.
Coghill blamed the current absence of a full-time chief on Mayor Gainey.
"It all goes back to that debacle with Chief Scirotto. So, here we are looking for a chief, hoping we can stabilize this police force, rank and file can have someone they can depend upon, and know what direction they're going to go in," Coghill added.
Mayor Gainey also issued a statement on Ragland's decision to step aside.
"I receive the Chief's news with regret. 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."
Ragland has told the administration he will be stepping down immediately, officially leaving in June, but using his accrued personal time until his official departure.
Ragland will be replaced in an acting capacity by Assistant Chief Marty Devine.
