The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel has approved the appointment of Neil Rhodes as Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Neil Rhodes applied for the position in October, the only application for the Chief Constable position, with support from Lincolnshire PCC Alan Hardwick.
It was then up to the Crime Panel to approve the appointment on December 6.
Mr Rhodes initially joined Lincolnshire Police as a constable in 1986 and left in 2001 on promotion to Humberside and Cumbria.
He returned to the force in 2008 as Deputy Chief Constable, and was recently in the role of temporary Chief Constable.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Chief. After five years away in Humberside and Cumbria, being appointed Deputy Chief Constable here in Lincolnshire in 2008 was like coming home for me.
“The Chief’s job really is the icing on the cake and I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my career making Lincolnshire Police and the service we deliver the very best I possibly can.”
“The officers and staff are really delivering for us with continuing reductions in crime – whilst other areas of the country struggle; and there is an improving picture in terms of detecting and resolving crime.
“I take my hat off to everyone when you consider all this is being done with 10% fewer officers than we had two years ago.”
Neil Rhodes also discussed that he wanted residents to feel safe generally, in their own homes and while they go about their daily life.
“We’ve got to give them confidence that this county is safe and well policed. Despite success in reducing crime there is a rising demand in calls for assistance and continuing austerity will bring its own challenges.
“We need to give our communities that confidence that we will be there when they need us.”
Discussing financial issues, Chief Constable Rhodes added that the force had balanced its books for the next two years.
He said: “I’m confident that we can sustain 1,100 officers and 149 PCSOs – and we’ve done that in probably the toughest circumstances in the country.
“Working closely with the Commissioner we now need to make sure we get a fair deal for Lincolnshire from the Government in the years ahead.
“When you compare us to almost all other forces we beat them hands down in terms of quality of service delivered at very low-cost.
“We want to share those lessons and ensure we retain a sensible level of funding that means we can sustain and improve policing here.”
He concluded: “…the most important thing for me is all of this needs to be underpinned by a rock-solid commitment to neighbourhood policing from a family force that is firmly rooted in its community.”
Great optimism
Lincolnshire PCC Alan Hardwick said on December 9 that he was pleased with the appointment of Neil Rhodes.
The PCC said: “With Neil Rhodes appointed I am looking forward to the future with great optimism.
“We share the same visions for Lincolnshire; reducing crime, police and services that are there when you need them, and a fair deal for the people of Lincolnshire.
“Neil’s considerable experience of Lincolnshire’s communities and the issues they face will mean that together, we can continue to keep the county one of the safest in which to live.
“Crime continues to fall, and we can build on initiatives covering everything from volunteers to victims and policing to partnerships, to further demonstrate that this force continues to punch well above its weight.
“I would like to take this opportunity, also, to thank the Police and Crime Panel for their endorsement of my decision to appoint our new Chief Constable.
“The panel is an important component in the success of our policing strategy.”
See a continuation of the PCC’s comment on the new Chief Constable appointment:
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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