Mayor-elect Corey O'Connor has nominated as police chief an officer with more than two decades of service in Pittsburgh.
Former Zone 5 Commander Jason Lando has an impressive resume. Currently police chief in Frederick, Maryland Lando left the city after being passed over for the top position.
Sources inside the Bureau of Police say Lando is popular with officers and they are upbeat about the nomination. They’ve been serving on an understaffed force and working mandatory overtime without consistent, stable leadership.
O'Connor’s decision to nominate an officer who knows the department and the city should give morale a much-needed boost. Lando had support from several City Council members when he was previously a candidate for police chief and is expected to be well received.
As he did in quickly naming his choice for Public Safety director, the incoming mayor is signaling his intention to lead Pittsburgh’s government the moment after he takes the oath of office