three years.

And Governor Thorold Masefield picked 38-year veteran Harold Moniz as Deputy Commissioner -- a double-header predicted by The Royal Gazette almost a month ago.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police gave their blessing to an extension to Mr.

Lemay's original 18 month stint to allow him to take over the top job.

But it was promised that a special interview scheme to identify Bermudian officers capable of filling the top jobs in the near future would continue.

And Mr. Moniz said: "My goal was to be Commissioner when I first joined and that hasn't changed. But who knows?'' Mr. Lemay said: "I look forward to the next three years and working with my colleagues.

"We have built a very strong team and there are a number of major initiatives underway in terms of succession planning.

"And I think we will be in a position to achieve our objectives at the end of three years.'' The announcement ends more than six months of limbo for the Island force after former Commissioner Colin Coxall quit his post early.

And in a first-time gesture, Bermuda Police Association representatives were invited to the official announcement at Government House to underline Mr.

Lemay's commitment to the officers on policing's front lines.

But Mr. Moniz' promotion from Assistant Commissioner leaves a vacant spot in the top three jobs on the force.

Now the new Commissioner and the Public Service Commission could confirm Acting Assistant Commissioner Alan Bissell in the job -- or opt to allow another Superintendent a shot at the job.

Or a younger officer tagged a high-flyer could be allowed to leapfrog Superintendent rank into the number three's job.

But it is likely the PSC will play it safe and go with Supt. Bissell for the full-time post.

BPA chief Sgt. Michael Jackman welcomed the promotions and said it would boost morale on the force.

He said: "The Association has always believed we wanted the best person to lead the Service, whether Bermudian or non-Bermudian.

"If a Bermudian had been identified, that would have been the icing on the cake.'' And Sgt. Jackman added: "We have had a good working relationship with Mr.

Lemay in the last six months -- his management style allows for a level of comfort and confidence among the members.'' He said the difference between Mr. Coxall and Mr. Lemay's style was access.

Lemay, Moniz in top jobs Sgt. Jackman added: "He is very approachable, not for me personally because I could approach Mr. Coxall on any matters, but for the rank-and-file he does have a little more access -- but that is not a criticism, just the way it is.

"We look forward to working with him and I'm sure we will have a Bermudian Commissioner identified within three years.'' Mr. Lemay added: "Everyone is different and everyone brings to the job his or her own style of management and expertise.

"I'm a strong believer in the consultation process, in coaching and being a mentor to junior officers.

"I see myself as being available to assist in bringing about the type of training and development which will be needed in order to ensure that after I have completed my three years, there will be someone ready to take over as Commissioner of Police.

"And beyond that, there will be a succession plan to make sure people have been prepared to take the senior positions.'' It is understood Mr. Masefield -- who appoints the two top Police officers -- picked the top duo without looking abroad.

Announcing the appointments, Mr. Masefield predicted: "We will shortly begin to see a series of promotions throughout the Service from the level of Sergeant right up through the Service so that individuals with outstanding potential are being moved onwards and upwards to gain further experience and to be trained for senior positions.'' And he added: "Current and future vacancies in the senior levels will facilitate the process of bringing on younger members of the Bermuda Police Service to the top jobs.'' But he said he had been impressed by the acting team at the top and had no doubts about making the posts permanent.

Mr. Masefield said: "In my view, the Bermuda Police Service has moved forward and on in an exemplary fashion.'' Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, who has delegated powers over the Police from the Governor, added he had every confidence in Mr. Lemay and Mr. Moniz.

He said: "The Government fully endorses what has happened and what is going to happen in the future.'' And he promised the drive to identify Bermudians for the top posts would continue.

Mr. Edness said: "I believe that the men and women in the Service feel a great deal more confident in the way this has been carried out.'' TOP COPS! -- Governor Thorold Masefield (centre) lines up with new Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay (left) and Deputy Commissioner Harold Moniz at Government House. They are flanked by the executive of the Bermuda Police Association -- the first time the organisation representing the rank-and-file has been invited to the official appointment of the two top men.