After eight years in the position, Victorian Police Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon has resigned.

Ms Nixon made her announcement alongside Premier John Brumby and Police Minister Bob Cameron in Melbourne today.

"I will remain with Victoria Police until the end of March next year to allow the Government to conduct a process to appoint a new chief commissioner and then I will consider a range of options for my future,'' she said.

Ms Nixon declined an offer from the Government to continue in the position and said the time was right to depart after almost eight years in the role and a total of 36 years as a police officer.

"I've watched our former premier Steve Bracks and John Stewart, the CEO of NAB, who have made smooth transitions out of their organisations with little disruption. I've also talked to a range of people who've made these choices and learned a lot from their advice.

The first woman to be in charge of an Australian police force, Ms Nixon was sworn in as chief commissioner April 2001.

Deputy commissioners Simon Overland and Kieran Walshe are in contantion to fill th vacancy.