PITTSBURGH — The Acting Police Chief for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police abruptly resigned Tuesday, saying that in the process of being confirmed as chief, he felt pressure to do things that were outside of his guideposts, morally, ethically and legally. He did not elaborate on what he was asked to do and by whom.
“The process turned from what it should have been, which was an honest inquiry into my qualifications for my job into a political football with endless delays and pressures for dealmaking,” Acting Chief Chris Ragland said at a press conference.
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Ragland says, as time went on, it became abundantly clear that there was no end in sight and he couldn’t be the leader the city deserves.
“There should be no politics in police work,” Ragland added. “You have to do things that are moral, ethical, legal. When you are asked to do things that go against your bright lines, you have to walk away.”
This comes less than two weeks after a heated press conference with Mayor Gainey. At that time, Ragland reaffirmed his commitment to becoming the department’s next chief and said he was looking forward to the honest process of public meetings.
This is now the second time in a matter of months that a chief has abruptly resigned, leaving the city without a permanent leader.
In November, then-Chief Larry Scirotto resigned after 11 Investigates learned he was officiating college basketball while leading the city’s police department.
We asked the city’s director of public safety, Lee Schmidt, what he was told about the pressures Ragland felt.
“What happened between others and chief Ragland, I can’t comment on,” Ragland tells Channel 11.
He said both he and Mayor Gainey talked to Ragland Tuesday and were sad he walked away from his post.
“Sometimes the political climate can be intense,” Schmidt said. “We’re trying to do good work and sometimes politics gets in the middle of that.”
While Ragland will no longer be returning to work, he’s not officially done until July because of his accrued time off.
Assistant Chief Martin Devine will step in as Acting Police Chief.
Ragland was pressured about who he should promote to assistant chief, sources say
Sources confirm to Channel 11 that acting Pittsburgh Police Chief Chris Ragland was getting pressure from city council members about who he should promote to be his assistant chief.
Channel 11′s Gabriella DeLuca tried to ask Mayor Gainey about that as he left the City County Building on Tuesday, but the normally outspoken mayor said he did not have a comment.
The mayor did, however, issue a statement late this afternoon that said in part:
“I felt like he was the right man for the job and brought integrity and courage to a difficult position. I also respect his reasons for making his choice, and I believe it was a difficult decision for an officer who has given so much to our city.”
Mayor Gainey’s political opponent, Corey O’Connor, blamed Ragland’s resignation on the current city administration.
“When this is your top cop, who you want to promote, and he doesn’t even want to go to the interview process, shows he doesn’t have confidence in the Mayor’s Office,” O’Connor said.
Ragland said Mayor Gainey never asked him to do anything he wasn’t comfortable with, and he didn’t play a role in his decision to resign.
Councilman Khari Mosley told Channel 11 that he wants to hear from Ragland directly.
“Until I get a chance to talk with Chief Ragland, and find out his reasons for stepping down, I’m a big supporter of the mayor. I have a lot of confidence in his leadership.
In contrast, councilperson Bob Charland voiced his frustration about the Gainey administration, and questioned the mayor’s leadership.
“Mayor Gainey is a nice guy who cares a lot about the city, but this is just another level of incompetence. I hope that we can remember that as a city, our first roles are keeping everyone safe, and keeping the city clean. If you’re failing at those two… I’m not sure what else you can do,” Charland said.
Could Ragland stepping down impact the Mayoral primary?
This announcement comes as Mayor Gainey is facing a tough primary challenge from Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor in just three months. In local politics, police chiefs and mayors often are seen as a package deal. Channel 11 News took a closer look at how this will impact the upcoming election and who is ultimately selected as the mayor of the City of Pittsburgh.
Public safety and police staffing have remained a prominent concern for community members and business leaders, especially in the downtown business sector. Channel 11 News spoke with former Allegheny County Democratic Chair Jim Burn to weigh in on the timing, significance, and impact.
“If I am advising the O’ Corner campaign, they are going to look at this as the inability to bring stability and leadership to the police department, when it desperately needs it, that’s the argument they are going to make,” said Burn.
Burn continued, and said, “Mayor Gainey is going to make an argument that they are continuing to be proactive in finding the best in the public safety world to bring into this city, enforce community policing and make opportunities for good effective law enforcement.”
In just weeks, Ragland was to sit and meet with community members for a series of town halls.
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In February, Tim Stevens, the CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project and a leading voice in getting voters to the polls, called for the community meetings to ensure transparency in the appointment process. We spoke with Stevens today, who told us he was shocked to learn Ragland had withdrawn.
“We were all pretty much shocked. We were looking forward to scheduling the town hall meetings, and the purpose was for the community to hear directly from Ragland; his vision, style, personality, sensitivities, and for the community to ask questions. [It was also an opportunity to] pose suggestions for policing and the City of Pittsburgh,” Stevens said.
We asked Stevens if he believes this announcement will impact the community’s confidence in policing. He said his organization will defer questions to the public safety director and look forward to meeting with the newly announced acting chief.
Channel 11 obtained the email that Ragland sent to the bureau:
“After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy and decline the permanent appointment as Chief of Police. It is time for the next generation of leaders to guide this organization. This decision has not been an easy one, but it is in the best interests of me and my family. Serving as your Acting Chief over the past 4 months has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I leave with a deep sense of gratitude and pride for everything we have accomplished together over almost 31 years.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the strength, resilience, and commitment that define our department. From the early days on patrol to the many challenges and triumphs we have shared, every moment has contributed to a journey that has enriched both my professional and personal life. Leading this team has been a privilege, and I am immensely proud of the unwavering dedication each one of you brings to duty every day. Police work is a front row seat to a life, few ever get to see. It can be rewarding, exhilarating, heartbreaking, and mundane; all within the same shift.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you-my colleagues, mentors, and friends. Your support, teamwork, and commitment to our community have not only inspired me, but have also set the standard for excellence within our department. I leave with the assurance that our shared values and dedication will continue to guide you as you protect and serve the city I love, Pittsburgh.
“I will begin utilizing my accrued time and officially retire in July... As I step away from the PBP, I look forward to the next chapter in my life. I will always cherish the memories and experiences from my time with the department. In my heart, I will always be a member of the PBP. I will continue to support and advocate for this organization, albeit from a different platform.
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible journey. I wish each of you continued success, safety, and fulfillment in all that you do.
“With deepest gratitude and respect”
Gainey sent the following statement following Ragland’s announcement:
“Today, Acting Police Chief Christopher (Chris) Ragland announced his retirement from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police after an outstanding 30-year career dedicated to law enforcement and service of our community. His decision follows his recent nomination to serve as Chief of Police. After much thought, Acting Chief Ragland has chosen to withdraw from consideration as permanent Chief of Police and step into a new chapter of his life, transitioning into the private sector with a national firm.
“I receive the Chief’s news with regret. I felt he was the right man for the job and brought integrity and courage to a difficult position. I also respect his reasons for making his choice, and I believe it was a difficult decision for an officer who has given so much to our city.
“I want to thank Assistant Chief Martin Devine who will step in as Acting Police Chief, continuing the strong leadership and direction established by Acting Chief Ragland. Devine has been with the bureau since May 2000 and was promoted in 2024, he is well-equipped to guide the department during this time of change.
“As we navigate this transition, my administration remains committed to ensuring continuity and stability within the Bureau. We will work with Council and the community to create a process for selecting the city’s next Chief of Police.
“While Chief Ragland’s departure is a loss for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, I remain incredibly confident in the strength of our department’s leadership. The solid foundation built by Acting Chief Ragland and his team ensures that we are well-positioned for a smooth transition and that the next leader will continue to serve our city with the same dedication and commitment that has long defined our police force. I will not submit a nomination to City Council until I am certain that we have found the right individual and the right confirmation process.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Acting Chief Chris Ragland for his exemplary service and wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career. His contributions to our city will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.”
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