The new Deputy Police Commissioner officially joined the Bermuda force yesterday -- and pledged to continue the search for a Bermudian successor.

Jean-Jacques Lemay, wearing his Royal Canadian Mounted Police uniform, was sworn in by the Governor Lord Waddington during a brief ceremony at Government House.

Afterwards the Mountie on secondment in Bermuda said he was looking forward to getting stuck into his duties -- but he was already aware of one of his biggest priorities.

"We must continue the efforts to identify people from within the organisation to take over as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner,'' he said.

"That will be part of my priorities and I will concentrate my efforts in that area.'' Mr. Lemay, a Chief Superintendent with the RCMP, has replaced former Deputy Commissioner Michael Mylod who resigned 18 months into his two-year contract.

He will serve the Bermuda Police Service on secondment from the Mounties for 18 months, taking over Mr. Mylod's responsibility for administration and operational Policing.

"I am delighted to be here. I read the Police Service Strategy report and I saw that a tremendous amount of work has been done.

"This is a well-known modern Police Service which has some very positive things about it,'' he added.

"I am here for 18 months to do a job and I am looking forward to the challenge.

"I know from the brief discussions I have had with the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner what the priorities are,'' said Mr. Lemay.

Over the next few days he plans to meet members of the community and will kick off a tour of the Island at Somerset.

He said he was well aware of the controversy surrounding his appointment but intends to introduce himself to people around the Island to show them "who this Canadian is''.

Mr. Lemay added: "I am well aware of the controversy in regards to my appointment and I can appreciate what people are saying.

"But my job is to serve the people of Bermuda and I will do that to the best of my ability.'' After Mr. Lemay was sworn in as Deputy Commissioner, Premier David Saul welcomed him to the Island on behalf of the people and the Government.

"He will be joining a Police Service of which Bermuda is very proud,'' added Dr. Saul. "Over the last 24 months we have seen morale improve and we have seen the crime statistics go down.