Police Commissioner George Jackson is to retire next month.

This newspaper could not confirm Mr. Jackson's successor last night, but an announcement is expected within days.

The official announcement of Mr. Jackson's retirement was made by Governor Sir Richard Gozney yesterday.

In a statement Sir Richard said: "As Commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service, Commissioner George Jackson CPM, has told the officers of his Service, he will be retiring in mid-December 2009.

"I would like to pay a very warm tribute to Commissioner Jackson's work over the last four years. As always it has been a time of change and challenge for the Bermuda Police Service.

"The Police Service has emerged much stronger, I believe, at the end of the Commissioner's tenure thanks to a series of steps taken under his leadership.

"The numbers of policemen are up, their salaries are up, their presence on the streets is up, the number of arrests which they are making is up and their use of the new Police and Criminal Evidence Act is showing tangible and quite exciting results.

"If some members of the criminal fraternity have mounted their own challenge and increased the level of their criminality, the Bermuda Police Service is now better rewarded, better trained and better motivated to catch them.

"The Commissioner of Police and I want to acknowledge the central role of the Bermuda Government in enabling these positive changes to happen, through an increased Police Service budget and new legislation.

"There will be other opportunities for his colleagues and friends to laud and applaud Commissioner Jackson in the coming weeks. I wish to start now by expressing my sincere gratitude to him for four years of hard, honest work and straightforward, honest advice to Government House."

Sir Richard said: "I plan to announce the name of the new Police Commissioner within days."

In September last year Sir Richard said he hoped Mr. Jackson would welcome the opportunity to retire at the end of his four-year tenure.

He said: "I believe quite strongly that no one should be able to do his job for more than four years, because it's a tough job.

"I'd like to say to George Jackson 'thanks very much' and arrange for him to hand over by the end of next year, so he would be allowed to put his feet up."

Sir Richard added that he would prefer to see the top posts occupied by Bermudians or long-term residents rather than expatriates.

"I've not said there will never be a question of bringing in an expatriate but over the next few months, if we can do it from within the Bermuda Police Service, that will create a sounder basis for the Service," he said.

Superintendent Mike DeSilva was sworn in as Deputy Police Commissioner last September, but the top post has been tipped to go to Jamaican Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin.

Rear Admiral Lewin resigned as Jamaican Police Commissioner on Sunday, despite another year remaining on his contract.

However, last month he denied reports in his home country that he was to take up the Bermuda Police Commissioner's post.

Last night Sir Richard declined to comment further on the appointment of a new Commissioner.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Jackson for his contributions to public safety in Bermuda.

"His belief in policing in partnership with the community was evident; he will leave us with a base on which we can build. He has had a distinguished career in policing and, on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I wish him a long and healthy retirement."

Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said: "As far as public safety is concerned, Bermuda has got serious challenges. This is a critical time.

"Whether it is a rising tide of gun violence, the continued proliferation of drugs or even inadequate prosecution of those apprehended, the men and women on the frontline of policing need the support and leadership to get the job done.

"We are hopeful the Governor, Government and Opposition will appoint someone to this position who will bring with them the character, integrity and proven leadership experience to step in and hit the ground running to meet these challenges."