Larry Scirotto sworn in as Pittsburgh's police chief

Larry Scirotto on Wednesday was formally sworn in as Pittsburgh’s 55th police chief.

Scirotto has been serving as acting chief since Mayor Ed Gainey nominated him for the position last month. City Council unanimously confirmed his appointment weeks after he was nominated.

A Pittsburgh native, Scirotto, 49, retired from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police in 2018 as an assistant chief. He previously had served in various roles with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, including as an officer in the K-9 unit and major crimes division and as the city’s Zone 5 commander.

He spent 21 of his 23 years in law enforcement in Pittsburgh before briefly serving as Fort Lauderdale’s police chief.

Scirotto resigned from his position in the Florida last year amid controversy of promoting minorities. He has filed a wrongful termination suit against the city and said the promotions were based on merit.

“As we move forward, we must acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead and, with it, so too do the complexities of crime,” Scirotto said at his swearing-in ceremony at City Council chambers. “We must adapt, innovate, and be responsive to the changing dynamics of our community.”

That will include “embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and promoting diversity and inclusivity within our ranks,” the new chief said.

“We must also strive to build bridges between different communities, fostering trust and understanding of cross-cultural, racial and socio-economic lines,” Scirotto said. “Under my leadership, I am committed to promoting a culture of integrity, accountability and transparency within our police department.”

Scirotto also thanked the city’s police bureau and told them their service doesn’t go unnoticed.

“To our newly appointed chief, you are stepping into a role of great responsibility, but you do not bear this burden alone,” Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said. “You have the unwavering support of the entire Department of Public Safety, your fellow officers and the community you serve.”

Scirotto expects to be state recertified by the end of the month under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission guidelines in order to fully carry out his duties, according to Gainey’s office.

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