Larry Scirotto was sworn in as Pittsburgh's police chief Wednesday afternoon and faces some challenges in the new position.
Larry Scirotto was sworn in Wednesday, which included words of encouragement from each city council member and mayor Ed Gainey.
He enters a department though that is rapidly losing officers, including a few just last week to the fire department.
Scirotto says he plans to think outside the box to recruit and retain officers.
“Trying to change the mindset that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is an excellent organization that takes care of its officers, that supports its officers and in that, that you should remain here with us.” Said Scirotto. “I have a meeting with one officer tomorrow that I’m going to try to convince not to leave.”
Scirotto enters a department rapidly losing officers, including a few just last week to the fire department.
Scirotto says he plans to think outside the box to recruit and retain officers.
The department has just over 800 officers on staff, while the department budgets for 900.
A class of 30-35 is wrapping up this month, then there pushing to fill another class later this year.
Pittsburgh City Council has expressed concern in recent months that numbers could dip below 700 by 2025 if aggressive recruiting and retention efforts aren't implemented.
Because he was away from the department, Scirotto still has to pass a state certification exam later this month, and until then won't be able to wear his full uniform.