Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Chief Bill Janes is stepping down.

CBC News has learned that Janes informed the provincial government on Wednesday that he intends to leave the job in June.

Janes told the senior leadership of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in a meeting Wednesday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the RNC confirmed the departure late Wednesday night.

The chief's departure comes at a difficult time for the RNC, which is facing ongoing public criticism after a number of contentious cases.

Const. Carl Douglas Snelgrove's not guilty verdict on charges of sexual assault in February sparked protests and graffiti in downtown St. John's.

That verdict came at the same time public hearings were being held in a judical inquiry into the shooting death of 58-year-old Don Dunphy by Cst. Joe Smyth.

It also comes amid repeated reviews of the conduct of RNC Staff Sgt. Tim Buckle during a criminal investigation into one of his fellow officers.

Const. Joe Smyth, Const. Sean Kelly and Const. Carl Douglas Snelgrove have all faced trouble in the last year. (CBC)

Five senior members of the RNC are also being investigated by Nova Scotia's Serious Incident Response Team.

Sources have told CBC News the investigation is focused on the use of a criminal informant, who allegedly continued to commit crimes without being arrested by police officers.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed Janes' departure late Wednesday night. Further details are expected Thursday.

Minister had confidence, wanted action

In an interview with CBC News in March, Justice Minister Andrew Parsons said he had full confidence in Janes and the RNC, despite the many contentious issues facing the force.

He went on to say the police force needed to "show leadership" in times when public confidence is shaken.

Janes has served as chief of police since February 2014.

He joined the RNC in 1985.