Public safety remains a priority in Mayor Ed Gainey's administration, and that includes building a relationship with the police department.
Nearly a year and a half into his tenure as Pittsburgh Mayor, Ed Gainey feels they've approached the city's relationship with the police department.
In studio with the Big K Morning Show, he highlighted the continuing conversations with officers in every zone and developing a deeper understanding of their expectations.
“They see me as a progressive, African American male first mayor, see me as progressive, and a lot of my policies are progressive, I’m not going to run from that,” said Gainey. “But at the same time, I told a lot of people that we wanted to make this the safest city in American, that’s not an easy thing to do.”
Changes within the department are likely in the coming months.
Gainey announced earlier this week Larry Scirotto is his pick for the next police chief - who said he will reevaluate all processes and procedures.
Scirotto comes to Pittsburgh amid a staffing crisis and concerns over crime downtown.
Low morale is hitting police departments across the country, and staffing is showing that.
As city departments face more issues with weaker man power, nominee for Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto says this is the time to pick officers up.
“That’s maybe the challenge is that they don’t hear that leveled support enough, but let me assure you, I’m going to be champion for them doing their job and doing it the right way.”
Gainey added Scirotto will take the reins on staffing issues.
“We’re going to allow Chief Scirotto to take a look at and we are going to follow his lead,” said Gainey. “He is now the chief and as him being chief we will follow his lead on how we get there.”
Gainey said his administration starting behind - having to initiate a staffing study to get a better understanding of the shortage.