Acting State Police Superintendent Steven Nigrelli – who faced multiple allegations of being abusive to staffers – has resigned after Gov. Kathy Hochul rejected his bid to hold the post permanently.
Nigrelli, a 32-year veteran of the State Police, submitted his resignation letter Friday, the Times Union first reported.
Hochul’s decision to snub his candidacy came after a probe by the state Office of Employee Relations into harassment and discrimination complaints dating back years.
The office substantiated some claims made by Nigrelli’s underlings, including women.
There were no findings of criminal conduct.
“Earlier today, the administration informed acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli he is no longer under consideration for the permanent role; he subsequently notified us of his intention to retire after 32 years,” Hochul’s spokesman Avi Small said in a statement. “Gov. Hochul has the utmost respect for the members of the New York State Police who put their lives on the line to protect New Yorkers.”
Nigrelli’s resignation will take effect Oct. 6.
He became acting superintendent of the State Police on Oct. 19, 2022, overseeing more than 5,000 members of law enforcement, following ex-Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen’s resignation.
Bruen stepped down two weeks after the governor confirmed she was investigating claims he shielded a former human resources honcho from internal complaints due to a close working relationship.