Moss Point Police Chief Demetrius Drakeford will leave his job at the end of the year, Mayor Xavier Bishop has confirmed.

Drakeford, whose resignation will become effective Dec. 31, became chief in September 2005 after a stint as a detective in the Gulfport Police Department. He submitted his resignation on Monday.

Bishop said he and Drakeford had previously discussed the police chief’s possible resignation, adding that Drakeford’s decision “did not come as a complete surprise.”

Bishop said he will recommend an interim police chief to the board of aldermen, and the city will advertise and interview prospective candidates to fill the position.

The police department under Drakeford’s tenure was on the upswing, Bishop said, and improvements were implemented, ranging from increased neighborhood watches and community involvement to unique recruiting methods to fill positions since Hurricane Katrina.

There are about 25 officers employed, with five patrol positions to fill, Bishop said.

“We’ve enjoyed a very good working relationship,” Bishop said.