LEWISHAM'S borough commander is leaving after three years as the area's top cop.
Chief Superintendent Jeremy Burton is off to lead a project on total policing and will be replaced by Chief Superintendent Russell Nyman from the Kent Constabulary.
During his tenure the borough's overall crime figures have fallen but he has also faced tough times, not least last summer's riots and the shooting of a Forest Hill man by armed officers in February.
Mr Burton said: "Serving the communities of Lewisham has been a privilege and I have worked with some fantastic and inspiring people during my three years here.
"Together we have overcome many challenges perhaps encapsulated in the events following the terrible disorder last August.
"I'm totally convinced that the abhorrence of Lewisham communities helped significantly in preventing any further outbreaks of disorder."
Mr Burton's last day will be August 27.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here