In January of 2005, it happened when Lucius Thomas took over the reins of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) from Francis Forbes. Similarly, eight years earlier when Francis Forbes took over from Colonel Trevor MacMillan.

The ceremonial 'passing of the baton', usually attended by state officials, high-ranking officers and other members of the society was absent yesterday.

The ceremony, normally associated with the installation of a new police commissioner, did not materialise and most present at yesterday's event, held at the commissioner's office on Old Hope Road in St. Andrew, were asking questions.

Superintendent of Police Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, who heads the communications arm of the JCF, the Constabulary Communication Network, later noted that yesterday's event was not the ceremony to which the public had become accustomed.

"We had Commissioner Lewin sworn in as a policeman, as that happens to all who join the JCF. He was sworn in by a J.P (Justice of the Peace) and has taken over," Superintendent Ramsay-Nelson explained.

She, however, could not say whether the usual ceremony would be held.

Chairman of the Police Officers Association, Superintendent Norman Heywood, says he does not have a problem with the lack of a ceremony. "It doesn't really matter whether there is fanfare or it is done quietly."