Police Chief Wayne Livesay can look back on his eight-year tenure and see improved technology in the department, lower crime in the community and solid relationships with many minority groups.

But he couldn?t avoid internal strife in the Howard County Police Department. Twice during Livesay?s employment, female Howard County police officers sued the department, alleging a culture of discrimination. In December 2003, county officials reached a $115,000 confidential settlement with now-retired Cpl. Linda Freeman, who accused the department of tolerating sexual harassment. Livesay, who is retiring to run for Howard County Council District 5, said Thursday that he was adamantly against settling the suit.