Retiring Police Commissioner Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards refused to get involved yesterday in a growing controversy over his successor.

But Bermudians may soon hear from another central figure in the drama who has remained silent to date. Assistant Police Commissioner Mr. Wayne Perinchief is scheduled to address the Hamilton Lions Club next Wednesday "on a subject of his choosing''.

Mr. Edwards, reached at his Bermuda home, would not say whether he favoured Government's decision to hire his successor and the Deputy Commissioner from abroad. Nor would he respond to criticism from Police Tumim Committee co-chairman Mr. Dale Butler, who said Mr. Edwards showed "gross negligence'' by not recommending a Bermudian successor.

"I'm looking forward to my retirement and handing the Police over to whomever is to be appointed,'' Mr. Edwards said.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman has said that until announcing his recent decision, Mr. Edwards had agreed to stay on another two years.

Asked why he was stepping down, he said: "I'm 54. I'm taking retirement. I'll be 55 in March.'' Mr. Edwards recently returned from Boston, where he was believed to be undergoing cancer treatment. Yesterday, he said: "My health is doing quite well,'' but "there are still other issues ongoing about my health.'' Asked if there were any factors other than his age and his health that influenced his decision to retire two years earlier than planned, Mr. Edwards would not comment. Nor would he comment on whether Government's plan to bring a senior officer from abroad to work beside him influenced his retirement.

Before leaving for London this week, Labour and Home Affairs Minister the Hon.

Irving Pearman said Government only planned to hire one senior officer from abroad, but Mr. Edwards "threw us a curve'' with his retirement plans.

Mr. Pearman said Mr. Edwards had given him no reason for his retirement, but he presumed he had given Governor Lord Waddington his reasons. "I can only accept what he's said.'' Mr. Perinchief -- who was passed over for the posts along with fellow Assistant Commissioner Mr. Harold Moniz -- could not be contacted yesterday.