Al Hutchinson will succeed Tom Constantine as Oversight Commissioner later this year.

The commissioner monitors how changes to the new police service are carried out based on the government's policing reform act, put together following a report from the Patten Commission.

Mr Hutchinson will take up his new post in December.

Al Hutchinson: Taking up post in December

He and Mr Constantine have been working closely in order to ensure a smooth handover.

The Canadian officer served almost 34 years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), eventually becoming Assistant Commissioner.

'Point of contact'

He has experience of economic crime, drug enforcement, VIP protection, public order, human resources and organisational change management.

His final posting was as Commanding Officer of "O" Division (Ontario), responsible for the RCMP Operations in Canada's largest province.

His present role as chief of staff involves managing the Belfast office and staff of the Oversight Commissioner.

After a 43-year career in law enforcement and a three and a half commitment to Northern Ireland, his family commitments must take priority Paul Murphy Secretary of state

He acts as the principal point of contact in the absence of the commissioner.

Secretary of State Paul Murphy confirmed the Oversight Commissioner's office would get a two year extension.

He said: "Mr Constantine has told me of his continuing belief in the importance of the Northern Ireland policing reform to the peace process, and his willingness to continue the independent oversight of progress to ensure a successful transition.

"However, after a 43-year career in law enforcement and a three and a half commitment to Northern Ireland, his family commitments must take priority.

"I am delighted to announce that Al Hutchinson will succeed Mr Constantine at that point."

Special branch

Tom Constantine is a former director of US drug enforcement and also ex-chief of police for New York State.

His reputation for dealing with drug dealers in the city led to his name being given to an organisation dedicated to educating children about drugs and respect for the law, Constantine's Circus.

Tom Constantine: Ex-chief of police

Last December, Mr Constantine outlined his concerns over policing changes.

He said delays in implementing changes to special branch were still one of the main concerns.

He said there had been a favourable response to the changes made so far and pointed to what he saw as positive elements in the work of the Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman.

Although he was appointed for a three-year period in May 2000, the commissioner admitted it could take up to 10 years for all the Patten recommendations to be achieved.