Four other officers who would have been charged as a result of the inquiry retired before it concluded.

Otherwise all general officers must retire the month after their 64th birthday.

Because the county never knows how many officers will retire in a given year, budgeting for retirement costs is difficult.

After 20 years, officers can retire at half pay, with a termination check of about $200,000.

The benefits are generous, and after 25 years officers can retire at half pay.

The other two officers mentioned in the report have retired, although a Federal inquiry about them continues.

In 1998, for example, 617 officers, of all ranks, retired from the department.

The director of the center has resigned, and its chief medical officer has retired.

Several scientists, businessmen, and military officers retired in this area.

"And eventually the officers involved have returned to duty or retired."