Governor Sir John Vereker is now consulting with the Public Service Commission (PSC) over the appointment of the new Deputy Police Commissioner.

The Royal Gazette reported last week how the interview panel, including Deputy Governor Nick Carter, interviewed three candidates for the job, all of which were serving officers.

They are understood to be current Deputy Commissioner George Jackson, Supt. Sinclair White and Supt. Larry Smith.

The panel passed its recommendation to the Governor when he returned to the Island last weekend, and he, in turn, is now liaising with the PSC.

Deputy Governor Mr. Carter said: “The Governor is in the normal process of consulting with the PSC, as he is required to do.

“I don't know when there will be an announcement (as to who has been successful), but we would hope sooner, rather than later.”

The three-year contract of Mr. Jackson comes to an end in December. It is renewable on mutual agreement, but, as with a number of senior civil servant posts, Mr. Jackson had to apply for the position again so he could be pitted against his peers.

When the contract of former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Khamisi Tokunbo ran out earlier this year, the Governor said he was eager to ensure the best person got the job, so wished for the current position-holder to be compared to outsiders.

On that occasion, Mr. Tokunbo did not reapply for the job.

The three-year contract of Commissioner Jonathan Smith also comes to an end early next year, so that position is likely to be re-advertised, too.

But the Assistant Commissioner's post, held by Carlton Adams, is not on contract and so will remain as is.