val_demings.jpgORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Orlando's first African-American female police chief has announced her retirement after less than four years on the job.

Val Demings revealed her plans Tuesday and is officially leaving the post on June 1 after 27 years with the department.

She plans to take a month off while weighing several options about her future. She is being replaced by 47-year-old deputy chief Paul Rooney.

The 54-year-old Demings took over as police chief in December 2007 and is credited with reducing violent crime and the number of guns on the street. Husband Jerry Demings was elected as Orange County Sheriff in 2008.

She says she hasn't ruled out taking another job in law enforcement or running for political office. One possibility in the latter includes going after Gary Siplin's Florida Senate seat.

Photo above: Val Demings