who will take the number three post when he leaves the force in the spring.

It has already been decided that Jonathan Smith will take over the role of Commissioner in April when Mr. Lemay completes his contract, and George Jackson will be deputy.

But the position of Assistant Commissioner is still up for grabs and it is expected to go to either black Bermudian Gertrude Barker or status Bermudian Vic Richmond, who is from Scotland.

They are both Superintendents who have acted in rotating senior roles for some time with Mr. Smith and Mr. Jackson, in a bid to prove themselves in the deputy and assistant positions.

Lengthy interviews for the top two ranks were held at the start of December with Mr. Lemay, Deputy Governor Tim Gurney, Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Robert Horton, and Director of Personnel Services Judith Hall-Bean on the panel.

Interviews will be held again for the assistant post and subsequent Superintendents posts, which a number of Chief Inspectors have been invited to apply for.

The interview panel, which is expected to include Mr. Lemay and Commissioner Designate Mr. Smith, will then make a recommendation to Governor Thorold Masefield, who must ultimately give the go-ahead.

Mr. Smith and Mr. Jackson are on three-year contracts, with the option to renew for a further three years under mutual agreement. And it is thought that the assistant will also be offered a three-year stint.