The appointment of a new Commissioner of Police has likely already been made, sources said yesterday.

One familiar with the recruitment process said an announcement could come soon if a Bermudian has been picked to take over as the head of the service.

Another source said that if an overseas candidate had been selected, the announcement would probably come later because terms and contracts would have to be drawn up.

Darrin Simons, a Bermudian, is the Acting Commissioner of Police after Stephen Corbishley resigned in October, three years into a five-year term.

Advertising for a replacement started that month and asked for candidates who were, or had recently, held the rank of superintendent or higher.

A spokeswoman for Government House said this week that the recruitment process was “ongoing”.

She added that the post had been advertised on the island and overseas and that the closing date was November 1 last year.

The process is handled by Government House with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Both sources said the selection of a non-Bermudian would probably involve talks with Cabinet as questions would be raised on why there was no Bermudian suitable for the role.

One added that the position had attracted interest from about 25 UK retired officers.

The other said the decision would have been made before the new year, but an announcement may have been held up to allow Rena Lalgie, the Governor, to discuss the appointment with David Burt, the Premier, who has been on holiday.

Mr Burt returned to the island from a vacation in the US at the weekend.

The Government cannot overrule the selection but sources said that Government House would want to have its decision supported.

Mr Burt has a regular meeting with the Governor on Wednesdays, so it is possible the successful candidate will be identified as early as this week.

Mr Simons was said to be a popular choice for the top job in the service but the appointment of a non-Bermudian to the post could attract criticism.

News of the 2018 appointment of Mr Corbishley, who is British, sparked complaints from inside and outside the service.