FDLE commissioner Bailey abruptly steps down

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey is leaving the agency.

Bailey gave his notice to Gov. Rick Scott’s office on Tuesday in a three-sentence resignation letter stating he was stepping down effective the same day.

Bailey has been highly regarded in law enforcement and was first appointed to his position in 2006 by Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet. He was kept in the position by Govs. Charlie Crist and Scott, who was re-elected last month.

Scott appointed Rick Swearingen as interim commissioner, though the appointment has to be approved by the full Cabinet. Swearingen has worked at FDLE for 30 years, most recently with the Capitol Police.

The governor’s press office wouldn’t respond to a question about whether Scott asked Bailey to step down.