One of Bermuda's longest-serving detectives has been recommended to take over the post of Assistant Police Commissioner, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

The Public Services Commission (PSC) is understood to have advised that Detective Chief Inspector Carlton Adams by-pass the rank of Superintendent and become the new assistant.

But the surprise decision, if it is agreed, is bound to come as a blow for the two favourites for the post, Superintendents Gertrude Barker and Vic Richmond, who have both acted in the role for a number of months.

Bermudian Mr. Adams, who has been in the Force for about 32 years, was ranked as an outsider for the number three post.

He was one of about six people to apply for the senior role, including a number of fellow Chief Inspectors.

However, Superintendents Barker and Richmond, who have also acted in the role of Deputy Commissioner and have undergone senior training, were the hot favourites for the position.

They were both also grilled for the posts of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner at the end of last year, but lost out to fellow Superintendents Jonathan Smith and George Jackson, respectively.

However, The Royal Gazette reported how Supt. Richmond had refused to be interviewed a second time for the assistant's job, with sources claiming that he thought it unnecessary for him to go through two separate grillings in a matter of days.

Whether he was still considered for the post after failing to put himself forward for interview is not known.

But it is bound to leave some people asking questions as to why four Superintendents were trained up for the top three posts in preparation for Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay's departure in April, when the recommended candidate had received none of the on or off the-job training for the post.

Last night, both the Police and Governor's Office refused to confirm or deny the claim, saying all would become clear in due course.

A Police spokeswoman said: "The Public Services Commission has reviewed the recommendation and that is where it is at. An announcement will be made imminently.'' Deputy Governor Tim Gurney would only say: "A recommendation from the Public Services Commission has gone to the Governor (Thorold Masefield). It went at the end of last week.

"I do not know when the new assistant will be announced. It is for the PSC to make any announcements.'' And when contacted by The Royal Gazette last night, Det. Ch. Insp. Adams also refused to comment on the matter.

The 51-year-old has been a detective for about 28 years.

Adams tipped for promotion He has worked on a number of major crimes, including murder inquiries, and has led the majority of them since taking over the role of Chief Inspector about eight years' ago.

Det. Chf. Insp Adams was praised by the Commissioners looking into the investigation and prosecution of serious crime on the Island last August.

The Commission of Inquiry report drawn up by the three commissioners said: "The Commission has formed a favourable view of Chief Inspector Adams, both as a result of his appearance before it in public sessions, as well as a result of conversations it has had with him and his officers when visiting the Major Incident Room.

"He revealed a commendable grasp of all the issues which were discussed with him.

"Mr. Adams was refreshingly candid, willing to accept shortcomings in existing practices, which were drawn to his attention, and able to offer constructive suggestions for improvement.'' If Det. Chf. Insp Adams is given the number three role, he will probably be responsible for both uniform and CID operations.

And it may result in CID being centralised again, under one central control, instead of the way it currently operates, which is more fragmented.

Last night a Police source said: "Det. Ch. Insp Adams is liked among the ranks. I think he is very much one of them.'' "He can best be described as a Policeman's Policeman.''