Top Policeman Alan Bissell has quit the Service, it was revealed last night.

And the shock move by the current number two in the service leaves a vacuum in the higher ranks of the Police.

It is understood Mr. Bissell left his Assistant Commissioner's post after lengthy negotiations over the succession plan for the top jobs.

Mr. Bissell is believed to have been offered the vacant Deputy Commissioner's job by Governor Thorold Masefield -- but only for a year.

And the intention was to then cycle through the Service's four Superintendents in the Deputy's job to see who best fit the bill.

The proposal is understood to have been the second succession plan put forward. An earlier scheme to have all four Superintendents and Mr. Bissell rotate as Deputy Commissioner foundered, in part because of objections that Mr. Bissell would have been taking instructions from the lower ranking officers.

Now CID head Supt. Vic Richmond is likely to take over as Deputy Commissioner on Monday, with Supt. Gertie Barker taking over as Assistant Commissioner.

Mr. Bissell is understood to have signalled his decision to leave the Service on Thursday.

It is believed Mr. Bissell has now taken accumulated leave and will return to his Prospect office in August for a short time before leaving the force for good.

Deputy Governor Tim Gurney and Commissioner of Police Jean-Jacques Lemay could not be contacted for comment last night.

Mr. Bissell served as Acting Assistant Commissioner for nearly a year before being confirmed in the job just nine months ago.

Former Deputy Commissioner Harold Moniz retired from the force earlier this year, leaving his post vacant since then.

Mr. Bissell joined the Bermuda Police Service 34 years ago as a Constable. He was promoted to Sergeant in the early 1970s.

In the early 80s, he bcame an Inspector attached to the force's training department and then Chief Inspector responsible for recruitment and training.

Resigned: Alan Bissell