Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Neil Rhodes and PCC Alan Hardwick. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
An investigation by Sir Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, has cleared Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Neil Rhodes of allegations of misconduct by Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick.
In February 2013, PCC Hardwick suspended Chief Constable Rhodes following allegations of misconduct, but in April a judge in Manchester quashed the suspension, branding it “irrational” and “perverse” and not taking into account Mr Rhodes’ 27 years of unblemished reputation.
Following the ruling, PCC Hardwick asked Sir Peter Fahy to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations. The report was published on August 15.
The report concluded that no proof has been found to substantiate the allegation and Sir Peter recommends the misconduct allegation against Chief Constable Rhodes be formally withdrawn.
The investigation team concluded that Mr Rhodes did not exceed the intended boundaries or scope of a CPOSA (Chief Police Officers Staff Association) “friend” as he properly understood them.
‘No choice but to investigate’
The first elected Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan Hardwick. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Alan Hardwick, the first elected Lincolnshire PCC said: “I wish to express my thanks to Sir Peter for a thorough investigation. His recommendations are the right ones.
“I am pleased that we are able to bring what has been an unwanted and unwelcome distraction for the Chief Constable and me to a conclusion.
“We will both now be able to continue to focus fully on the business of policing Lincolnshire.
“I also want to express my thanks to Chief Constable Rhodes for the professionalism he has displayed throughout what has been a difficult period. I look forward to continuing our successful working relationship.
“Elsewhere in the public service we have seen what happens when investigations are not carried out.
“In this case, the allegation was so serious that Sir Peter confirmed in his severity assessment it would have amounted to misconduct if proven. I therefore had no choice but to investigate it.
“I remain troubled by the nature of the allegation and that it has not been possible for the investigating officer to determine exactly what happened in a private conversation between two highly regarded and credible professionals in the policing world. This was exacerbated by significant inconsistencies in the evidence,” PCC Hardwick added.
‘We must draw a line beneath this matter’
Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Neil Rhodes. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Chief Constable Neil Rhodes said: “I am very grateful to Sir Peter for a thorough and comprehensive investigation and I am naturally delighted that I have been completely exonerated in relation to all aspects of the conduct allegation.
“I have sought over the last six months to maintain a dignified silence, safe in the knowledge that I knew that there was never any substance in the spurious allegation. I do not intend to depart from this approach, and wish simply to get on with my job of working with the Commissioner to provide effective and improving policing for our county of Lincolnshire.
“The past few months have been unusually challenging. I’ve been really grateful for the incredible support of my wife, our children and my close friends.
“The family that is Lincolnshire Police have been really strong in their encouragement and support.
“If I was surprised by the support of the professional community across the county who work with the police, I was simply humbled by the many, many messages I received, and continue to receive, from ordinary members of the public who I have never met.
“I just can’t thank all of you enough. It inspires me to work harder for you all.
Chief Constable Neil Rhodes for the first time appearing in public along PCC Alan Hardwick after his suspension was quashed. Pictured along with Inspector Simon Outen on a patrol walk in Saxilby. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
“Following the Judicial review decision, the Commissioner and I resolved that we must draw a line beneath this matter, for the good of Lincolnshire, and demonstrate that we could work together productively and positively,” Chief Constable Rhodes added.
Search begins for new Chief Constable
Neil Rhodes has been holding the role of Temporary Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police since March 2012, when Richard Crompton retired.
Lincolnshire PCC Alan Hardwick and Police Chief Constable Neil Rhodes in November 2012. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
PCC Alan Hardwick added: “I am pleased to announce that the College of Policing will be conducting on my behalf an open, fair and transparent recruitment process for a permanent Chief Constable for Lincolnshire.
“I have made it clear to Mr Rhodes that I would welcome his participation in that process,” the Police and Crime Commissioner said.
Chief Constable Rhodes said: “When the Commissioner decides to recruit a permanent Chief Constable I can confirm that it is my intention to apply for the position.”
Senior officer changes
As the Sir Peter Fahy report was released, Chief Constable Rhodes also announced a series of senior management changes within Lincolnshire Police.
He said: “We’ve just seen Alec Wood promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in Cambridgeshire Police. That’s really good news for Alec.
“Assistant Chief Constable Keith Smy, a very experienced officer, now steps into the deputy’s role alongside me and Chief Superintendent Lee Freeman, currently in charge of the western side of the county takes on the assistant chief constable role for local policing.
“With Heather Roach as ACC for Operations and Crime, I’m well supported and really confident in the skills and abilities of my senior team, who are firmly grounded and experienced in the needs of this county,” Chief Constable Rhodes added.
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Works to repair and resurface Pelham Bridge in Lincoln are set to last over two months this summer.
Exact dates will be announced in due course, but work is expected to take place between June and August 2021, lasting nine weeks.
The bridge, opened by the Queen herself in 1958, will have the expansion joints replaced, as well as being resurfaced and a new course of water-proofing installed.
A new barrier will be installed between the footpath and the road on the bridge to keep pedestrians safe.
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The work has been a long time coming, originally planned to take place in January with a single lane closure in each direction.
As plans for this project were being finalised, the council discovered that the bridge could not run effectively and safely alongside works taking place.
The reason for the project’s rescheduling is to reduce disruption for divers, as well as to complete the work as quick as possible.
During the works, northbound traffic will be diverted along the East West Link Road and Tentercroft Street to cross University Bridge, and use Newland and Wigford Way to rejoin Melville Street.
As for southbound traffic, the diversion route will be vice versa to northbound, and pedestrians will be directed to the High Street to cross at the level crossing.
Lincoln streets during lockdown. Photo: Joshua Bell
This will also temporarily disable the Tidal Flow system on Canwick Road, directly south of the bridge.
The middle lane will be closed here, both for safety and smoothness of traffic flow.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “When it became clear that we couldn’t complete the necessary works with just one lane closure, we looked for a time when traffic would likely be lightest across Pelham Bridge.
“Thankfully, the newly opened Eastern Bypass is taking traffic away from this route already, and will provide an alternative option for many during the bridge closure.
“The bridge is also much less busy during school summer holidays.
“There’s no doubt that Pelham Bridge is one of the busiest routes in Lincoln, and we appreciate that this closure will have a significant impact on traffic, but the bridge hasn’t been re-waterproofed since it was built over 60 years ago.
“This work is essential to make sure that water and salt can’t get into the joints of the bridge and weaken the structure.”
The Red Arrows returned to training this month for the forthcoming season and have been practicing a potential new manoeuvre at their current home at RAF Scampton.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team released a video this week showing the manoeuvre, which involves Reds 6 and 7, Squadron Leaders Jon Bond and Gregor Ogston respectively.
The duo, known as the Synchro Pair, are developing the new — yet to be named — manoeuvre, which involves a precision, close-pass before rolling upside and then pitching upwards and looping.
The Synchro Pair perform many of the team’s most dynamic manoeuvres. This includes well-known elements in the second half of a Red Arrows display such as the Heart and Spear.
The Red Arrows returned from the Christmas/New Year pause to resume training on January 4.
Regular flying is essential for all of the Red Arrows’ pilots to maintain their highly-specialised competencies and qualifications.
See more of the training gallery below:
The Reds in full flow. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
The Synchro Pair have been busy perfecting the move. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
Captured in formation during the Red Arrows’ training. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
Leaving their mark. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
The training was a success. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
The familiar sight never gets any less fascinating. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
Robbie Gotts’ loan spell at Lincoln City has come to an end, as parent club Leeds have recalled the young midfielder and sent him to Salford.
Gotts, 21, made a total of 12 appearances in all competitions for the Imps, scoring one goal in the 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in the Papa John’s Trophy.
He also won two man of the match awards while at the LNER Stadium, in a 1-0 league win away at Swindon Town, and a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
The versatile central midfield player, who also played as a right back for the Imps, has now moved to League Two and joined Salford City until the end of the season.
Robbie Gotts. | Photo: Lincoln City FC
Lincoln City thanked Robbie for his contributions during his time at the LNER Stadium, saying: “We wish him well in his career.”
The loss of Gotts has freed up space in the Lincoln squad as Michael Appleton looks to strengthen his team ahead of a promotion run this season.
The Imps are currently sat four points clear of second placed Hull City at the top of the League One table, having played 21 of the scheduled 46 league games.
Fans will hope this is the only loan player to go back to his parent club from Lincoln in the January transfer window, as rumours surrounding star man Brennan Johnson’s future remain rife.
Chris Hughton, manager of Johnson’s parent club Nottingham Forest, told local media that he is better off at Lincoln due to his regular playing time, which will ease some Imps fans’ fears.
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