After a turbulent seven years at the helm of the New London Police Department and recent health issues, Chief Margaret Ackley might take the step toward retirement.
Currently the chief is on medical leave, which is part of the reason her attorney, Leon Rosenblatt, said she might retire sooner than planned.
But it's no secret that she's had a rocky past with the police union and former New London leadership.
"One issue is that she is having health issues and the other is that she is fairly burned out by the internecine warfare that goes on within the department," Rosenblatt said.
Ackley has served New London for for three decades. She's been chief since 2009; the first female in the top seat. That's where Rosenblatt said she was met by a contentious relationship with the police union, former city mayor and city council.
Over the years the chief has filed suit for breach of contract, accused the former mayor of interfering with her job. That mayor placed Ackley on paid administrative leave to investigate her conduct in office.
"She's been the subject of any number of attempts to sabotage her," said Rosenblatt.
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"She's resisted successfully every time, but it's exhausting. And now has to undergo an operation, it's impossible."
Current New London Mayor Michael Passero said some of the challenges to Ackley's job came before he was elected.
"We have a fine working relationship," Passero said.
The chief has talked to the city's personnel administrator about retiring, but has not submitted anything official, according to Passero.
No plans have been made to look for a new chief, but he said the budget will cover the search. He also says Ackley's pension will be paid by the state.
Rosenblatt said Ackley didn't plan to leave so soon, except she has to take care of her body. She's having surgery on her right elbow, due to nerve damage in her spine, Rosenblatt said, adding it's from repetitive use on the job.
As for when the chief will step down, Rosenblatt said, "sooner rather than later."
NBC Connecticut has not yet received a statement from the police union about the chief's possible retirement.
NBC Connecticut also tried to reach out to Ackley directly for comment.