Tuesday marks last day on the job for Pittsburgh police chief

PITTSBURGH — Tuesday marked Pittsburgh police Chief Cameron McLay's last day on the job, just days after he announced his resignation.

"I earnestly believe that I have accomplished all that I am able to do," McLay said Friday at a news conference in the mayor's office. "The time has come for me to pass the torch."

McLay was the first chief chosen from outside the force in more than 150 years when he was selected in September 2014.

"Two years ago I came to Pittsburgh inspired by the resilience of this city, its people and its police bureau. I came here because I saw an opportunity to make a difference," McLay said.

RAW: Cameron McLay announces his resignation

RAW: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announces police chief’s resignation

The Alliance for Police Accountability held an event Monday to thank McLay. Officials previously announced that Assistant Chief Scott Schubert will serve as acting chief for 90 days.

McLay angered some rank-and-file officers by addressing the Democratic National Convention in July and because of other differences that McLay said emerged as he tried to reform the department and improve relations with black citizens.

The union held a no-confidence vote in September and the Citizens Police Review Board has since determined that McLay violated a city code banning partisan political activity by speaking at a political convention in uniform.

He said the no-confidence vote didn't affect his decision.

Target 11’s Rick Earle reported that rumors began swirling about a month ago that McLay was interviewing for other jobs, possibly in San Francisco.

McLay denied the rumors on Friday and said he has not yet begun to look for another job. He also said that he had been talking with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto about a transition since August.

"The city is in debt to Cam for his contributions to the community, taking all the shots and criticisms that come with making changes, and putting the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police on a successful pathway that is a model for law enforcement agencies across the United States," Peduto said.

"He has implemented many needed reforms in keeping with the principles of 21st century policing," U.S. Attorney David Hickton said in a statement sent to Channel 11. "The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is in a much improved position today because of his good work."

Meanwhile, Bob Swartzwelder, the Pittsburgh police union president, told Channel 11 News that he believes McLay treated the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police as an experiment and questions his reason for leaving.

"McLay treated the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police as an experiment… I don't know what he means by, 'I've done all I can do.' As police officers, we do that every day. The city of Pittsburgh is not an experiment," Swartzwelder said.

The mayor will name a full-time chief within 90 days.

"We're Pittsburghers. We work together to solve problems and that's what's going to continue to happen," Schubert said.

MAD DAD member Ernest Bey said he believed in McLay’s message. He said McLay was a voice that resonated with MAD DADs, a group aimed at combating crime by focusing on helping the youth.

"He was very accommodating," Bey said. "He was inquisitive. He had a curiosity about our communities that you can't, you know, just find anywhere."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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