To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

Perez became Acting Superintendent last week after State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt announced his retirement in an exclusive interview with Capital Tonight. Corbitt retired amid allegations that the New York State Police Executive Services Detail may have played a role in the potential cover-up of a domestic incident involving a top aide to Governor Paterson.

Perez said his retirement is not premised on the Attorney General's investigation into the accusations against Governor Paterson and State Police. Perez said he knows his decisions were honest and rightly motivated.

In a letter to Governor Paterson, Perez sites the following for his decision to retire: "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 as Acting Superintendent may be an obstacle to progress of the New York State Police, an agency I love."

Perez said his last day will be this Friday. After that, Deputy Superintendent John Melville will become New York State Police Acting Superintendent.

In response to Perez's retirement, Police Benevolent Association President Tom Mungeer released a statement saying, "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... We look forward to beginning a new chapter, and we urge the Governor to make this appointment a priority."

Meanwhile, New York State Police Investigators Association President Joseph Barrett said, "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."