Senior Police officers aiming for the top have got a stay of execution on a gruelling new assessment programme.

The two-day grilling was due to start this month -- but it understood that the intensive programme has been put back -- probably to the end of January or the start of February.

It is understood that one of the reasons for the delay has to do with recruiting top specialist UK Home Office assessors, who run courses for all the English and Welsh forces.

And Her Majesty's Inspector of Dependent Territories Police Lionel Grundy will not be on the interview panel.

Instead, another senior Police officer from the UK will join two Bermudian civilians, who have yet to be named.

It is understood another reason for the change of plan is to allow senior officers time to decide whether they want to take part -- and to bone up for the rigorous tests.

But it is believed some senior Police officers may not opt to join in the scheme.

And Harold Moniz, currently Acting Deputy Commissioner, and Superintendent Campbell Simons may be among the officers who choose not to take part in the process.

The extended interviews are signed to identify the leaders of the future and to ensure officers of Chief Inspector rank and above know what gaps in experience and training they might need to fill in to aspire to the Commissioner or Deputy Comissioner's chairs.

Supt. Alan Bissell heads up the Senior Police Officers Association, which represents Superintendents and the one Assistant Commissioner -- Mr. Moniz. He said: "At this stage, no final decision has been taken. We are looking at the process and we have expressed some interest.'' But he agreed it was possible individual officers may decide not take part for personal reasons.

Supt. Bissell said: "That is each individual officers' decision.'' Governor Thorold Masefield met the Island's middle and senior ranking officers in October to announce the scheme.

The two-day series of assessments will include personal interviews as well as written and practical tests. They will be followed up with individual recommendations for individual officers.

The interview panel, likely to be three- or four-strong will include a senior overseas Police officer and up to three civilians, plus observers.

Island interview panel members have already travelled to the UK to watch a similar scheme in operation.

And officials from the British Home Office, responsible for policing in England and Wales, came to Bermuda to assist in tailoring the UK model to Bermuda's needs.

Deputy Governor Peter Willis said the interviews would not take place this month -- and said the "earliest practicable date'' was chosen.

He explained: "There will be several changes between the UK model and the Bermuda variant.

"There is a certain amount of fine-tuning to be done. It's a UK system which is well tried and tested -- but it has to be adapted. It's not an off-the-peg thing.'' And he added: "It's a great manpower development tool which will be put in place and it's extremely objective.''