WASHINGTON (AP) — The chief of the U.S. Capitol Police says he plans to retire at the end of May.

Phillip D. Morse has spent 28 years with the congressional law enforcement agency and has served as chief since 2006.

He told colleagues in a statement that he is taking a job in the private sector and that his new position will allow him to spend more time with his family.

He says his tenure as chief was the “capstone” of his federal career in law enforcement and that the decision to leave was difficult.

The Capitol Police is responsible for security at all congressional facilities and for protecting lawmakers.

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