The tough task of leading the Bermuda Police Service through one of the most challenging periods in its history has been handed to George Jackson.

Mr. Jackson ? currently second in command ? officially takes over the Commissioner?s hot seat when Jonathan Smith steps down at midnight on Thursday.

Emerging victorious from what effectively turned into a two-way tussle for the $137,000 top cop post, Mr. Jackson saw off Roseanda Young, who was yesterday confirmed as the new Deputy Commissioner.

The new Commissioner yesterday spoke of his pride at the three-year appointment, and won praise from Governor Sir John Vereker and Premier Alex Scott.

But he side-stepped questions on controversial issues bound to dominate the first few months of his reign.

Vincentian Mr. Jackson, who has more than 30 years? experience on an Island where he started his career as a P.c. on uniform patrol in Hamilton, said he would ?strive to serve the community to the best of my ability? in a bid to make Bermuda more ?peaceful and tranquil?.

Governor Vereker said he was ?delighted? such an experienced and capable officer would lead the service into the future.

And Mr. Scott said Bermuda should feel confident two Bermudians were heading the Police Service, overseeing 468 officers.

?These two Bermudians have made it to the top,? the Premier told a Press conference at Government House. ?They have not been put there ? they have earned their positions.?

The messages of support from the Island?s hierarchy mark a welcome start for the new Commissioner, who faces tough challenges ahead as he takes over a post Jonathan Smith held for five years.

In a controversial parting shot, Mr. Smith used a Rotary Club speech to warn of looming problems and divisions within the ranks. He accused a minority of officers ? including some holding senior positions ? of living in a ?timewarp? where they answer to nobody outside the force.

And the outgoing Commissioner also outlined future minefields involving recruitment, training and the introduction of radical new PACE laws ? coincidentally, discussed in the House of Assembly at the same time Mr. Jackson was confirmed as new Comissioner ? which Mr. Smith said would completely modernise arrest procedures, detective work and evidence gathering.

After a short acceptance speech yesterday, Mr. Jackson refused to be drawn on some controversies surrounding the force.

Asked for his views on Mr. Smith?s ?timewarp? comments, Mr. Jackson told reporters questions on the subject should be directed to the outgoing Commissioner.

And asked about taxpayers picking up the salaries for four Policemen on long-term suspensions, an issue highlighted by on Saturday, Mr. Jackson said Government had commented on the situation and the issue was still the responsibility of Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith, who also attended yesterday?s Press conference, said he would be working ?very closely? with his successor on every outstanding suspension case before he handed over the reins.

With 30 vacancies currently outstanding in the force and after a recent recruitment drive produced poor results, Mr. Jackson said a new campaign would focus on trying to attract bright Bermudians studying in universities to the ranks. There was no difficulty recruiting from overseas, he added, although there was a problem finding housing for new officers that needed addressing.

Mr. Jackson did comment on the long-awaited new shift system, that aims to get more crime-fighters out on the beat at crucial times.

He told : ?That?s an issue that?s close to completion. The committee working on that will present a report to the Commissioner in the very near future.?