Deputy Police Commissioner George Jackson is at the centre of a legal wrangle over the dismissal of an overseas officer.

Sacked officer Richard Williams, of Trinidad and Tobago, has issued a writ against the Commissioner of Police and the Public Service Commission after he lost his job on the Island with Bermuda Police Service because he refused to resign his post with the force in his home country.

The Royal Gazette understands that he was given a five-year release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service - comprised of a three-year career break and two years unpaid leave.

He was given the letter of release and arrived in Bermuda in June, where he signed a prepared contract.

However, later that month he was summoned to the human resources office where he was told that he had not entered into the contract in good faith and that his leave appeared dubious - despite the fact he had it in writing.

It is understood Mr. Jackson asked Mr. Williams to resign his post in his home country, and was told that if he did not, he would not be able to fulfil his contract in Bermuda and would be dismissed.

As a result, the officer was sacked and he is now seeking help from the Bermuda Police Association and lawyers.

A large part of his case is believed to be based around the fact that other officers from overseas, including many from Britain, are simply employed here on the understanding that they are temporarily released from their home forces.

None of them have been asked to resign their jobs, and all arrived in Bermuda on the understanding that they can return to their posts back home.

Therefore, Mr. Williams is said to be claiming that Bermuda Police Service has discriminated again him.

One Police officer, who would not be named, said: "Officers from Britain and other countries are simply given a release in order for them to serve in Bermuda.

"If you can demonstrate that you are on a career break and the terms are sufficient, then it's accepted. But, for some reason, they are not accepting that in this particular officer's case.

"He has effectively been dismissed from the Force."

Bermuda Police refused to comment on the case yesterday as it was in the hands of lawyers.

And P.c. Dave Kinnersley, of the Bermuda Police Association, would only say: "Richard Williams came to the BPA for assistance in relation to his particular on-going case and we have referred the matter to our attorney who is dealing with it."

However, The Royal Gazette understands that another officer, also from Trinidad and Tobago, has raised similar complaints about his treatment on the Island.

He is believed to have been here on a non-renewable three-year contract since 2000, but was asked to stay on for a further five years this year.

He secured the necessary additional release papers from his home force, but was told he too, would have to resign his position in Trinidad and Tobago.

He is not thought to have taken legal action, yet.

Meanwhile, a report in Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday states an unnamed number of frustrated officers from the islands have gone to work for Bermuda Police Service.

The newspaper quotes Mr. Jackson as stating Bermuda is getting a "favourable response" from Trinidad and Tobago and other islands in the Caribbean during the recruitment drive.

Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Association president Ins Christopher Holder told the newspaper that some junior officers have left and another batch have applied to move to Bermuda.

"There are better opportunities there (in Bermuda) and because of the low morale and promotion process, the environment here becomes frustrated," he said.

The newspaper said Bermuda was advertising a salary of $50,000 a year, inclusive of other benefits.

The basic salary for a constable with five years' experience in Trinidad and Tobago was $2,861 per month with a meal allowance of $345. Single officers get a housing allowance of $500 on the islands while married officers got $750.

The Bermuda Police advert in Trinidad and Tobago states the force is looking to recruit officers for a period of five years, and the benefits include low cost accommodation, free medical and dental care, and 24 days annual leave.