Police Chief Scott Schubert isn't acting anymore.
The Brookline resident took over Friday as police chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, pending approval from City Council.
“I am thankful for the faith that Mayor (Bill) Peduto and Director (Wendell) Hissrich have placed in me," Schubert said. "My dream has always been to be a Pittsburgh police officer, and it is humbling to be considered for the position of chief. I look forward to continuing to serve the officers, the residents and the visitors of Pittsburgh."
Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said Schubert "exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in policing and has a demonstrated commitment to the community."
Peduto also lauded the 24-year veteran of the force. Schubert's 90-day appointment was a tryout, he said. No external search was conducted.
"Chief Schubert is not only respected within the police bureau, but across our neighborhoods as well," he said in a release. "He is just the right person to steer the bureau as it grows to more than 900 officers this year, and to keep implementing the city's commitment to community policing measures."
Elizabeth Pittinger, executive director of Pittsburgh’s independent Citizen Police Review Board, said she expects Schubert to be challenged, as all chiefs and officers are, but that she believes he’s up for the job.
"He’s been steady, he’s been responsive, he’s been compassionate, and I think he’ll carry on the transition that we’ve observed in the bureau of police quite adequately,” she said.
Schubert was named acting chief in November after the departure of former Chief Cameron McLay following a vote of no confidence by a majority of rank-and-file union officers in September. He previously served as assistant chief of operations; commander of Zone 6; lieutenant in the chief's office overseeing emergency preparedness; acting commander of Zone 4; lieutenant in major crimes; lieutenant in Zone 6; and sergeant in the Mobile Crime Unit.
He began his police career for two years as a Coraopolis police officer, and joined the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police in 1993. He is an adjunct professor of homeland security at Point Park University, and has a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and a master's in justice administration from Point Park as well.
His nomination will be introduced to council members on Tuesday.
