Annette Spicuzza told the Sacramento Bee that she is stepping down largely because of the recent pepper-spraying of Occupy Wall Street protesters on campus.
An independent investigation concluded last week that campus officers were not justified in using pepper spray on the demonstrators last fall.
Spicuzza and another officer were suspended. Spicuzza said in a statement that she doesn't want the pepper-spraying incident to be the defining moment of her 27-year career and that it would be better for her and the school if she steps down.
"For the past seven years, I have accomplished many good things for both the Police Department and community here at UC Davis; and am grateful to those of you who have remembered this," Spicuzza said in a letter to UC Davis staff. "As the University does not want this incident to be its defining moment, nor do I wish for it to be mine. I believe in order to start the healing process; this chapter of my life must be closed."
Spicuzza's resignation was set to take effect Thursday at 5 p.m.
