Times are changin’ again at the State Police (updated)
A week after being appointed to replace outgoing State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt, Acting Superintendent Pedro Perez announced his retirement today after 28 years with the State Police.
Corbitt retired amid a swirl of controversy. State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating allegations that Gov. David Paterson and the State Police may have intervened in an alleged domestic-violence case involving a top gubernatorial aide.
Others who have recently left the Paterson administration include Peter Kauffmann, the governor’s communications director, and Denise O’Donnell, deputy superintendent of public safety.
In a letter to the governor, Perez said his “retirement is not premised on the current investigation by the Attorney General, as I know my decisions were honest and rightly motivated.”
Paterson said he met with Melville last night. “I know him as a man of character, someone who really believes in the State Police, someone who’s worked in different aspects of the State Police and has worked in the field as well, and I think he will lead us through this period very effectively,” he said.
Other excerpts from Perez’ letter:
“Notwithstanding the continuous public scrutiny of our agency for over two years, the men and women of the State Police have nonetheless continued in their duties, at times risking their lives, with dignity and respect for the public they serve.“My decisions over time, combined with the indication that you are seeking a new superintendent and the labor unions’ perception of my ability to lead the agency, have led me to the conclusion that continuing in my position of Acting Superintendent may be an obstacle to progress of the New York State Police, an agency I love.”
In a joint statement, the boards of directors of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association and the New York State Police Investigators Association wished Perez well in his retirement and called on Paterson to “appoint a strong, progressive leader to restore confidence in the management of the New York State Police, and to do so in a swift manner.
“These past few weeks have been difficult for the morale of the men and women of the New York State Police who answer calls for assistance and investigate crime,” PBA President Thomas H. Mungeer said. “We look forward to beginning a new chapter, and we urge the Governor to make this appointment a priority.”
“It is time to move forward and return the focus of the New York State Police to our core mission of serving and protecting the public,” NYSPIA President Joseph Barrett said.
Deputy Superintendent John Melville will assume the duties of acting superintendent at the close of business Friday. A State Police news release said both men are declining interviews.
| 
Email This
Advertisements
A Confederacy of Dunces.
Seems that there is a little missing from this short blog entry. Other newsrooms have divulged that Perez, himself, is also under investigation by the AG for authorizing the State Police contact with the woman who was assaulted by the governor’s aide. Does one week in this higher office result in a larger pension? Surprised he didn’t fall down the stairs while making the resignation announcement to qualify for 3/4 disability pay, non-taxable.
The NYS Police are nothing but THUGS that get used and abused by so many politicians. The AG’s Office is investigating several more State Police related case where they were used to carry out political agendas, including Putnam County and Westchester. I’m a hearin’ the facts will speak for themselves.