Message from Chief Perrotti: I’m retiring.

James A. Perrotti, who has spent 37 years in the Yale Police Department, the last 12 of which were as its chief, will step down at the end of June, the University announced Thursday.

Perrotti’s tenure as chief has seen successes and challenges: large reductions in campus crime and the murders of two Yale students. Administrators said Perrotti transformed the YPD through improved technology, training and professionalism.

Deputy Secretary Martha Highsmith, who oversees campus security, said Perrotti has made the YPD what it is today.

“He’s just one of the best,” she said. “His influence will be felt here for years and years to come.”

Highsmith said the University will release plans for the transition to new leadership in the next few weeks.

For more, see tomorrow’s News.