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GREENSBORO - A high-ranking Greensboro police officer, already on indefinite sick leave while city leaders investigate the actions of a covert squad he supervised, is retiring.

Deputy Chief Randall Brady turned in his retirement paperwork Nov. 29, according to Connie Hammond, director of human resources for the city. Official approval is pending, she said Wednesday.

Dubbed the "secret police" by the rank-and-file, Special Intelligence reported to Brady, a 24-year department veteran.

Its duties include monitoring gangs and hate groups, as well as dignitary protection.

A prominent African American lieutenant caught the squad trailing him in June while patrolling west of downtown. The lieutenant was suspended with pay. Chief David Wray offered no public explanation for the suspension.

The lieutenant's attorney says Special Intelligence, which operates outside of internal affairs, has unfairly zeroed in on black officers for discipline.

Wray's own internal investigation cleared Special Intelligence of any wrongdoing.

Since June, in addition to its day-to-day duties, Special Intelligence has helped provide security during the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings.

City Manager Mitchell Johnson launched an investigation earlier this fall and has asked an independent consulting firm for help.

Rumors of lie detector tests for top police administrators have swirled for weeks.

"I believe there were some instances where polygraphs were used," Johnson said. "Until I get the final report, I don't know much about who or when or where or why."

If approved, Brady, 51, would be the second administrator in as many weeks to formally retire. Capt. Matt Lojko, who oversaw the police internal affairs section, retired on short notice effective Nov. 30.

Neither man was among six department employees honored at a Nov. 29 ceremony.

"I always liked Chief Brady a lot in my interactions with him," Johnson said. "I always enjoyed working with (him.)"

Capt. Robert Flynt with the department's special operations division has filled in for Brady since he went on sick leave before Thanksgiving.

Contact Eric J.S. Townsend at 373-7008 or etownsend@news-record.com