St. Paul Police Chief Announces Plans To Retire

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith says he intends to retire at the end of his six-year term.

Smith informed Mayor Chris Coleman of his plans Friday. There is no exact date of his retirement yet, but it will happen sometime between April and June 2016.

"It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as Chief of Police for this great city," Smith said. "I cannot express in words how proud I am to have had the opportunity to lead such an exceptional department and work with so many dedicated and professional officers and civilian employees to keep Saint Paul safe for its citizens."

Smith was appointed to his position in June 2010 after 20 years with the St. Paul Police Department.

According to city officials, the city has had significant reductions in serious crimes and domestic assaults during Smith's tenure as Chief.

"Under Chief Smith's leadership, the Saint Paul Police Department has become a national model for a 21st century police department," Coleman said. "His emphasis on strong community relationships, building trust and creating a strong pipeline of diverse future officers will have a lasting impact on public safety and policing in our community."

The next steps in the search for a replacement will be announced before the end of the year.