LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock's police chief will be stepping down on May 20, according to Mayor Frank Scott Jr.
The mayor made the announcement Monday on Twitter that Chief Keith Humphrey submitted a letter saying he is retiring from law enforcement.
Scott said during Humphrey's tenure as chief he "brought meaningful reform" to the Little Rock Police Department and a "renewed focus" on community policing.
"He remained loyal to his officers and to this city in the midst of adversity and challenging times," Scott said. "I appreciate his service to Little Rock, and I wish him and his family the best as he transitions to a new chapter."
Humphrey was appointed as chief in April 2019 as Little Rock's 38th police chief.
From the beginning of his leadership, Humphrey was in the headlines; having been selected just weeks after the 2019 shooting of Bradley Blackshire. In response, Humphrey fired officer Charles Starks, but a judge later ordered Starks' re-hiring.
Another headline-making moment from his term was when Humphrey made the unusual move of suing many of his commanding officers and the police union, accusing them of conspiring to force him out of his job. But that case was later thrown out.
Back in January of this year, Humphrey was placed on administrative leave after firing his weapon while on patrol New Year's Eve. The Chief was back on the job 12 days later; after he was deemed fit for duty. Although, the conclusion of the internal investigation into that incident (if there is one) has never been shared with the public.
On behalf of Humphrey, Attorney Mike Laux shared the Chief's comments from a retirement announcement at City Hall wishing well for LRPD's future and, “May God continue to Bless this department.”
Laux also says that Humphrey told City Hall of his intention to retire last week.
Scott said he will launch a national search for the city's next chief.
Assistant Chief Crystal Young-Haskins will be the interim chief once Humphrey retires.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.