Police Chief to Retire In Aug. After 5 Years

The resignation comes as the department has faced several challenges, including the slaying last month of Richard S. Findley, who was posthumously promoted to sergeant, and last week's shooting of an armed robbery suspect by Cpl. William M. Peaco, who has been detailed from the department to serve as a driver for Johnson. High's decision also comes as statistics show modest reductions in some crimes. Homicides remain a problem, with 73 this year, compared with 80 for the same period a year ago.

William D. Missouri, chief administrative judge in Prince George's Circuit Court, credited High with choosing commanders who have come up through the ranks. "He's been a fantastic servant for the people of this county," Missouri said. "This county is going to miss his leadership."

Private investigator Sharon Weidenfeld said, however, that High did little to change the department's culture during his tenure.

"I think the police department was status quo while he was here," said Weidenfeld, who works for defense attorneys and lawyers who file police misconduct cases. She said gains made in reducing excessive force were attributable to consent decrees the police department entered into with the Justice Department in 2003 and 2004, in which the department was subject to oversight.

Vince Canales, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, which has advocated for a change in the department's leadership, was similarly unfazed about High's departure.

"We wish him luck in his future endeavors," he said, declining to comment.

Staff writers Ruben Castaneda, Henri E. Cauvin and Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to this report.