Mr Colin Cramphorn takes over the leadership of the Police Service of Northern Ireland this weekend. The deputy chief constable automatically assumes the role as Sir Ronnie Flanagan moves to his new post at Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary, the police watchdog for England and Wales.
Mr Cramphorn (45) is thought to be among the front-runners for the position of chief constable. He once served as a sergeant in the RUC in 1979 and his career has taken him to positions at the Home Office in London and the Surrey and Greater Manchester forces. He became RUC deputy chief constable in 1998 and is well regarded in police circles. He is said to have complemented well Sir Ronnie's high-profile, media-friendly approach.
Others are thought to be interested and applications are still open for the position. They include Mr Alan McQuillan, an assistant chief constable who is in charge of the greater Belfast area. He joined the RUC in 1976 and rose to the rank of superintendent in 1990. He went to Gwent as assistant chief constable in 1995 and returned three years later.
Also thought to be considering the position is Mr Chris Albiston, another assistant chief constable who has responsibility for the northern region. He has served in the international force in Kosovo where he was responsible for 4,000 officers from all over the world.
He joined London's Metropolitan police in 1975 and rose to the rank of inspector before moving to New Scotland Yard. He moved to the RUC in 1987. Ms Maria Wallace, originally from Northern Ireland, may also apply for chief constable.
She is deputy chief constable with the Sussex force and has led the force following the resignation of the Chief Constable last year.
She, too, has worked at New Scotland Yard and has been stationed in London's West End and has worked as detective superintendent in south-east London on major investigations.
She joined the Sussex force as assistant chief constable in 1994.
It is thought that up to three other senior English police officers could be interested in applying.
It is also possible that two senior officers currently based in the US could also go forward.
The Policing Board hopes to name the successful applicant by early summer.