Darrin Simons has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Government House announced yesterday.

He was the deputy commissioner and has acted in the top job since the resignation of Stephen Corbishley last October.

A statement said: “This appointment was made following an open recruitment process in line with international best practice for selecting chief officers.

“Eight candidates, of whom two were Bermudian, were shortlisted for interview.”

Governor Rena Lalgie added: "I am confident that Mr Simons will serve Bermuda well in his role as Commissioner of Police, bringing to the job a breadth of skills and experience and a deep-seated passion for service to the people of Bermuda.

“I am pleased that the new commissioner has come from within the ranks of the Bermuda Police Service.

“Commissioner Simons is committed to further identifying and cultivating talent within the BPS and continuing to raise professional standards.”

Mr Simons added: "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner of Police and thankful to my family, friends and colleagues that have supported and encouraged me all these years.

“Raising trust and confidence in the police, both within the community, as well as the organisation, are critically important to me.

“Following 28 years of service, I am committed to leading the BPS and working alongside our amazing women and men to provide a service we can all be proud of."

Mr Simons has worked in various roles throughout the service, rising to the rank of superintendent in 2015.

He was appointed deputy commissioner in March 2019 after he took part in the College of Policing’s Strategic Command course in the UK.

The Minister of National Security, Renee Ming, said: "I offer my congratulations to Darrin Simons on his appointment as Commissioner of Police.

“Mr Simons’ experience and knowledge, gained from his 28 years of service, will no doubt prove invaluable in the years to come. I have enjoyed working with Mr Simons over the past six months, and I look forward to his continued leadership as the BPS continues their work to make Bermuda safer."

Michael Dunkley, the One Bermuda Alliance shadow national security minister, said: "On behalf of my colleagues we extend our congratulations and best wishes to the newly appointed Commissioner of Police.

“Commissioner Simons is a man of good character and integrity and having worked with him during my time as the Premier and Minister of National Security, I am confident he will do a good job in a very demanding position."

The Commissioner of Police appointment is made by the Governor in line with Section 87 of the Constitution.

Ms Lalgie was advised by a panel chaired by Alison Crocket, the Deputy Governor, and was required to consult the Public Service Commission.