New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico resigned abruptly on Friday. The New York Post first reported the move by the 56-year-old Governor Andrew Cuomo hire.
In a statement released by the Governor's Office, D'Amico said he "[looks] forward to pursuing other opportunities." Prior to his early 2011 appointment, D'Amico worked for then-attorney general Cuomo as chief investigator, overseeing investigations into State Police abuses, among others. Before that, he worked for the NYPD for 27 years, achieving the rank of deputy chief. He is supposed to remain in his position until a replacement is found.
"Joe is an outstanding public servant who has done great work in both the Attorney General’s Office and as superintendent of State Police," Cuomo said in a statement. "He has led the State Police through hurricanes, snow storms, anti-terrorism actions, prison breaks, and manhunts. There is no doubt he has led the State Police to a higher level."
Prior to D'Amico's arrival, the State Police was a dirty outfit: his predecessor Harry Corbitt (and Corbitt's short-lived successor) resigned in 2010 after it came out that he had authorized his troopers to pressure the alleged victim of domestic violence by an aide to then-Governor David Paterson not to pursue her case. Cuomo and D'Amico investigated that and surveillance of political figures by the agency, but it's possible that taint didn't entirely leave when they took over. Specifically, in January it was revealed that D'Amico had ordered a ticket to an NYPD officer who crashed into a State Police van to be voided. The agency denied being in touch with the NYPD about the decision.
