New York State Loses Its Second Police Chief in Two Weeks

Mr. Corbitt stepped down a week after he admitted that state troopers had contacted a woman who had accused David Johnson, a top aide to New York Governor David A. Paterson of assaulting her. The police intervention is now being investigated by Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo.

Mr. Perez allegedly authorized some of those contacts, knowledgeable sources claim.

But Mr. Perez denied that the inquiry had anything to do with his decision to retire.

“I know my decisions were honest and rightly motivated,” he said. “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.”

The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association said the union was unsatisfied with Mr. Perez' s handling of suspensions and other disciplinary matters.