Outgoing Baltimore Police Commissioner Going Hiking

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore's outgoing police commissioner says he plans to hike the Appalachian Trail in order to bury some of the "madness" of fighting urban crime.

Frederick Bealefeld III announced his retirement in May. The 49-year old tells The Daily Record of Baltimore he plans to start his hike July 1 and that physical exercise and time alone are a good way to unwind from five years as head of the Baltimore Police Department.

Bealefeld's retirement officially takes effect Aug. 1. He has been with the 3,100-member force for 31 years.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)