Bermuda's top Police officer will leave his post next week without knowing who his successor will be.

And The Royal Gazette understands that it could be at least six months before a replacement is found.

While refusing to comment on the reason for his sudden departure, Mr. Coxall spelled out the Police Service's achievements and shortcomings under his leadership and what was needed to prepare the department for the 21st Century.

Mr. Coxall -- with the help of senior officers -- has also prepared an audit report along the same lines which is expected to be released next week.

In a candid interview on the past two and half years in which he has held the controversial post, the former Assistant Commissioner to the City of London Police said he was brought in to turn around an antiquated Police Service which lacked direction, funding, and training.

This, he noted, was what he set out to do in a detailed strategy he released three months after his arrival.

And while grateful for the financial aid he received from Government and general support from the community and fellow officers in achieving close to 50 percent of the strategy's objectives, Mr. Coxall admitted his work was hindered by political wrangling.

"When I was approached.. .for this job, I did not realise what a political cauldron Bermuda was,'' he said.