PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has quit ahead of facing a showdown on his leadership.
The top cop, who had been under pressure to resign after a series of calamities, pulled the plug this afternoon.
That came after NI’s Policing Board met to discuss his future.
It said it had accepted his resignation, which begins with "immediate effect."
Mr Byrne, 60, took up the post with the PSNI in 2019.
Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square
But he had been facing a crucial vote of no confidence in his leadership from rank and file officers.
In a statement today he said: "The last few days have been very difficult for all concerned regardless of the rights and wrongs - it is now time for someone new to lead this proud and resolute organisation.
"Can I thank those who have shown me trust advice and friendship and of course thanks to the brave men and women of the Police Service of Northern Ireland."
The resignation came in the wake of a row last week when High Court judge Mr Justice Scoffield ruled two junior officers were unlawfully disciplined for an arrest made at a Troubles commemoration event in 2021.
WITHDRAW SUPPORT
The judge said they had been disciplined after Sinn Fein said it could withdraw its support for policing over the matter. Sinn Fein has insisted there was no such threat.
Mr Byrne insisted that he would not resign following an emergency meeting of the Policing Board on Thursday.
He indicated that he was considering an appeal against the court ruling.
That statement was met by anger from the Police Federation, with its chair Liam Kelly expressing "disbelief and anger" at the Chief Constable's statement.
Mr Byrne has since been facing growing pressure, with both rank and file officers and civilian staff considering confidence votes in his leadership.
On Friday, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson confirmed that his party had submitted a motion of no-confidence in Mr Byrne to the board, which is the oversight body for the PSNI.
At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre
Sir Jeffrey said: "Confidence in the Chief Constable has been eroded, both amongst the wider public but, significantly, also amongst serving PSNI officers and staff.
"In light of that, we believe that a change of leadership is required."
The Policing Board had been scheduled to hold its monthly public session on Thursday, but a spokesperson said that had now been cancelled.
DATA LOSS
Last month personal data on all serving members of the PSNI was mistakenly published in response to a freedom of information request.
Details of around 10,000 PSNI officers and staff included the surname and first initial of every employee, their rank or grade, where they are based and the unit they work in.
The PSNI has confirmed the list is in the hands of dissident republicans, who continue to target officers.
A number of other data breaches have since come to light, including the loss of a police officer's laptop and notebook which contained details of 42 officers and members of staff after the items fell from a moving vehicle.
