Pittsburgh Mayor's Police Chief Choice Abruptly Leaving Force

PITTSBURGH, PA — Christopher Ragland, the city's acting police chief and Mayor Ed Gainey's choice to be the permanent chief, has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role.

Instead of becoming chief, Ragland instead will retire and leave the force entirely. Gainey said on Tuesday that Ragland will enter the private sector.

Gainey said Assistant Chief Martin Devine will step in as acting chief. Devine has been with the city police since May 2000 and was promoted to his current post in 2024. "He is well-equipped to guide the department during this time of change," Gainey said in a statement.

Gainey last month nominated Ragland to replace former Chief Larry Scirotto, who suddenly retired in October amid a controversy over his return to officiating NCAA basketball games on a part-time basis - something he pledged not to do when he assumed the chief's position in 2023.

“Acting Chief Ragland has demonstrated the ability to lead the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police with a commitment to moving the bureau in the right direction," Gainey said at the time.

City council had not yet confirmed Ragland as chief.

Ragland, 53, has more than 30 years of experience with the police force. In his previous role as assistant chief of the department's professional standards branch, he was responsible for the development of policies for the training academy, as well as overseeing internal investigations to ensure that the department remains transparent.