Why Do Bad Cops Get Their Jobs Back in Pittsburgh?
When regular people get fired for doing something they shouldn’t, it’s usually cut and dry. Most folks don’t fight for months or years to return to their old workplace, especially if you’ve been disciplined in public. But for Pittsburgh police, it’s not only the norm, it usually comes with enormous checks for hundreds of thousands of dollars in back pay. Today we’re with Rich Lord, the managing editor for PublicSource, to talk about the very old state law that makes these reinstatements possible; a few recent, higher profile examples like Keith Edmunds and Aaron Fetty; and the surprising way the Gainey administration has responded.
Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode:
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust - Use code "DANCE CAST" for 30% off tickets
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to November 2026 in Pittsburgh
It's officially the season of giving thanks, and while there's plenty to complain about (looking at you, endless construction!), there's...

County Executive Sara Innamorato on New Taxes, Election 'Observers' & Paid Leave's Potential Windfalls
Will the county raise sales taxes to help fund our pension system? Should we be concerned about the federal election monitors arriving at...

Tax the Rich? Plus, Día de Los Muertos & Your Next Favorite Gym
Pittsburgh has a new proposal to tax the rich, Allegheny County’s fully paid parental leave policy is officially law, and local listeners...

Pittsburgh’s Top 10 Restaurants & What Makes Them Great
What makes a restaurant one of Pittsburgh’s best? Is it the food, the service, the atmosphere or something harder to put your finger on?...

Mallo Cup Lore, Hot Tamale Goss & More PA Candy Trivia
If you're planning to go trick-or-treating this weekend, a lot of your haul will probably be made right here in Pennsylvania. We have one...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
How prepared is Pittsburgh to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilie...

Garrity’s Slopaganda, Paid Leave Passes & How Pgh Humbled Emmanuel Macron
It’s official: Allegheny County council just passed a first of its kind paid parental leave policy. Host Megan Harris, executive producer...

Runaway Pelicans, Aging Ambulances & Waterproof Warhol Art
It's been a big week for Pittsburgh: two local innovations landed on Time Magazine's Best Invention list and a pair of animals made a dra...

Sports Bars & Specials for Steelers in Paris
The Steelers are heading to Paris to take on the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, but you don’t need to be in the City of Love (and tbh, y...

Could Ozempic Treat Addiction? Plus, Cryptid Hunting & Poll Worker Tips
Could GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy help people struggling with addiction? Pittsburgh is about to find out. A new $13.3 million stu...

