Philippe Pichet, already suspended, resigns as Montreal police chief

Embattled Montrealpolice chief PhilippePichet has resigned from his post,Mayor ValriePlanteannounced Tuesday.

In a statement, Plante said Pichetwill remain with the police department as an executive officer, under the title ofchief inspector.

"Pichet'scontribution will undoubtedly be of benefit to theSPVMgiven his vast and deep knowledge of Montreal's police organization, his professionalism and his indisputable passion for public service," the statement said.

Tuesday morning at city hall, Plante said,"For us, it's the best scenario for everybody. It's very satisfying."

Pichetwas indefinitely suspended with pay last December following a Quebec governmentreportthat revealed several internal investigations were botched under his watch and a "climate of tension" had developed within the SPVM.

He had initially fought to get his job back, and took legal action againstthe City of Montreal, Public Security Minister and Quebec government for the way they handled his suspension. He said he is no longer pursuing that avenue.

Just last week, Pichet appeared beforethe city's public security commission to make his case.

"I am the victim of a serious injustice and I have done nothing to deserve it," he said at the time.

SincePichet'sdeparture,theSPVMhas been under the direction of MartinPrud'homme, who is on leave from his regular duties as chief of theSretduQubec.

Quebec's Ministry of Public Security officially requested the go-ahead from the city to relievethe former Montreal police chief of his duties earlier this month, based on a report prepared by Prud'homme.

City councilwas set to vote on a recommendation by the public security commission to fire Pichetin the coming days.