Halifax police Chief Jean Michel Blais announces retirement

After almost six years on the job, Halifax's top cop is retiring.

Halifax Regional Police Chief Jean Michel Blaiswill step down from the role by March 31, 2019.

"Leading the dedicated Halifax Regional Police team and serving our community as chief of police have been two of the greatest privileges of my professional life," said Blaisin a news release issued Wednesday afternoon."The decision to retire is not one I made lightly."

Blaisjoined the police force in 2012 after a 25-yearcareer with the RCMP.

During his time at the helm, Blaisgrappled with issues including missing drug evidence, findings thatblack people were three times more likely to be stopped by police than white peopleand complaints within the police force that employees were not receiving adequate PTSD treatment.Blaishimself was diagnosed with PTSDafter serving three tours with the United Nations in Haiti.

"Our employees' dedication to service and commitment to our communities has been a constant source of inspiration to me in this role," Blaissaid in the news release."We have made great progress together as a team and I thank all our employees and citizens of Halifax Regional Municipality for this incredible honour to serve."

In the news release, Coun. Steve Craig, the chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, thanked Blais for his service.

"His leadership has played a strong role in positioning HRP and its employees for exceptional service of our community well into the future."