Queensland Police Pipes and Drums Band performs 'piping out' ceremony to farewell retiring Commissioner Bob Atkinson

RETIRING Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson has been sent off by hundreds of officers today - and his only words of advice for replacement Ian Stewart were: "Enjoy the ride".

Bob Atkinson piped out

INCOMING Police Commissioner Ian Stewart says Bob Atkinson's parting words of advice were: "Enjoy the ride".

Commissioner Atkinson received an emotional farewell in front of hundreds of people at police headquarters in Brisbane this afternoon after 12 years as the state's top cop.

Colleagues cried as he walked down the steps of the building for the last time, with partner Dr Glenda Atkins beside him.

Despite the rain, people lined up outside the Roma St headquarters to get a glimpse of the police officer who began his career 44 years earlier at Hemmant Police Station.

An honour guard was formed by colleagues on Roma St to farewell Mr Atkinson, and the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums Band conducted a formal "piping out" ceremony.

The police dog squad and mounted unit formed a motorcade for his vehicle, the procession taking him into nearby Garrick St.

Before entering the vehicle Mr Atkinson shook the hand of the man replacing him as Commissioner, Ian Stewart.

At a press conference after the send off incoming Commissioner Stewart, who will officially take on the role at midnight, said Mr Atkinson's only words of advice were: "Enjoy the ride".