Chairman of NYC police watchdog agency resigns

NEW YORK (AP) -- The chairman of New York City's police watchdog agency has resigned a day after being sued by its executive director.

Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Richard Emery resigned Wednesday as chairman of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board.

Emery said in a statement that a "confluence of recent circumstances" would preclude him from continuing in his post.

The executive director of the watchdog agency filed a lawsuit against Emery on Tuesday alleging he used a gender-based slur against her and was undermining her authority. 

Emery had also come under scrutiny because his law firm represented some clients who were suing the city police department.

The CCRB investigates claims of misconduct by police, but the NYPD has the final say on whether discipline is imposed.