Chief McLay requests investigation into his remarks, appearance at DNC

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay has requested an investigation into his remarks last week at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and into allegations that his appearance violated City Code.

According to a news release sent Monday, McLay has asked the Office of Municipal Investigations and the Citizen Police Review Board to handle the investigation.

The code in question is prohibitions of police officers from campaigning in certain circumstances, which states, “No officer or employee of the Department of Police shall campaign for a candidate for any office or for a ballot issue while on duty, while wearing a uniform or while on City property. Nor may he/she identify himself/herself as an employee of the Department of Police.”

McLay issued the following statement Monday:

"While I interpret the code differently, I strongly believe I must be accountable to all relevant laws and city policies. In order to ensure the integrity of my accountability systems are not compromised by member perceptions that the rules are not being evenly applied, I gladly offer my willingness to have OMI and CPRB conduct investigations into my conduct relative to the Democratic National Convention."

The Office of Municipal Investigations is assigning an investigator this week to review the matter. The Citizen Police Review Board has already opened an inquiry.

"I think the greater good was served. But it comes down to the issue, stark and objectively, was it appropriate for the uniform to be put on stage there?" said Beth Pittinger, director of the Citizens Police Review Board.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who also attended the DNC, told Target 11’s Rick Earle last week that he encouraged McLay to speak from the heart and leave politics out of his speech.

"The chief had to walk a very fine line. I thought he did walk it, but it will be up to the investigations and see if that's what they conclude as well,” Peduto said.

McLay remains on the job while the investigations are being conducted.

Cox Media Group