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Police commissioner's shock resignation
Embattled NSW Police Commissioner Peter Ryan today announced he would quit his post next week, a year before his contract was due to expire.
The nation's second highest paid public servant will leave on April 17, pocketing an estimated $425,000 - a year's salary.
Mr Ryan said his time at the helm of the state's police service had been turbulent.
The commissioner and Premier Bob Carr today announced Mr Ryan's contract would be cut short, with Senior Deputy Commissioner Ken Moroney stepping in as acting commissioner.
Sorry to leave,
Mr Ryan said he was sorry to leave but after six years in the job, it was time to move on.
``It's been a tough six years, I changed the police force - never mind what all these silly critics go rabbiting on about - it's one of the world's best,'' he told reporters.
``I'm looking forward to a new life, it's time to move on.''
Mr Ryan admitted his time in the job had been tough.
Under fire over Olympic trip
The commissioner only last week came under fire for attending to his Olympic duties in Athens despite the death of one of his officers and the release of major crime statistics.
Mr Ryan said he did not have another job but was open to offers.
Premier's tribute
The premier paid tribute to Mr Ryan and said he received his resignation with regret.
``Commissioner Ryan will leave office knowing he has the gratitude and the respect of the people of NSW,'' Mr Carr said.
Less than two months ago, the premier pledged his ``unequivocal'' support to Mr Ryan, who has come under attack over policing in Cabramatta, corruption within the force and the implementation of reforms.
There was renewed speculation earlier this year about the commissioner's future following Police Minister Michael Costa's new reforms and the secondment of Assistant Commissioner Clive Small to the Premier's Department.
``Yes, I do (support Mr Ryan) unequivocally and I've said whenever I've been asked,'' Mr Carr told Radio 2UE on February 14.
``I've been his greatest promoter and backer since we recruited him four or five years ago.''
Mr Ryan's contract had been due to expire in 2004.
Morale 'through the roof', says whistelblower
Police morale would go through the roof after the resignation , police whistleblower Tim Priest said.
Mr Priest said the police service could now look forward to renewal.
``We can now look forward to some positive renewal of the police force,'' he said.
``I think police morale will go through the roof.''
He said ``absolutely everything'' was wrong with the NSW police at the moment.
Mr Priest said he hoped former New York police commissioner William Batton would be asked to take on the NSW role.
''(Mr Batton) was the greatest police commissioner of modern times,'' he said. ``He is the father of zero tolerance.''
Mr Priest came to the public attention after he exposed problems among police in dealing with drugs and gangs at Sydney's troubled suburb of Cabramatta.
His complaints led to a parliamentary inquiry.