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COLUMBIA (WACH) --- Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott will be retiring January 1, 2013.

Scott, who was chosen as the city's Police Chief in 2010, said the decision is not his own. Scott said the reason is because of legislative changes affecting the South Carolina Police Retirement System that will place limitations on financial earnings for all retirees starting next month.

Scott explained his decision in a letter to the police department.

A City of Columbia spokesperson confirms that under Chief Scott’s tenure, he helped to establish a PACE Team, Drug Suppression Team and he also reduced overtime by 72%.

The retirement will not be permanent. Chief Scott is only 44 years old, and plans on reapplying for the position. But Scott said he will first have to take a mandatory leave of absence for 15 days.