Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Outgoing Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas in his office yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Today is his last day in office and it is also the final day for his successor to apply for the job as police commissioner.

As he bade farewell to friends and colleagues at his 101 Old Hope Road office, St. Andrew, yesterday, Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas was sifting through farewell cards and plaques sent to him by well-wishers.

"It was very touching when I read some of the cards which came from the ancillary staff. These are people who I met and greeted in the mornings and it is amazing to read some of what they had to say," he said, as he packed his belongings in a bag.

In the midst of his busy schedule, a group of ancillary staff marched into his office and surprised him with a small token. His office was later bombarded with many visitors, including politicians, businessmen and some of his senior officers.

"Today (yesterday) is a normal working day for me. I met and spoke with some of my senior officers, expressing concerns about the latest crime figures. We had discussions about strategies and approaches," said Mr. Thomas.

The 58-year-old commissioner, who has been the head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for almost three years, was, yesterday, out of his customary khaki uniform. He was clad in a dapper-looking dark-blue suit.

Last Friday, members of the Special Anti-Crime Task Force had a special after-work party for him. On Saturday, the Police Federation held a function in his honour at the Police Officers' Club.

This afternoon, the officers at Mobile Reserve will host a special treat for the outgoing commissioner after he returns from a special luncheon put on by the Ministry of National Security.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com.