September 23, 2016 8.49 am
This story is over 86 months old
Column: My search for Lincolnshire Police’s next Chief Constable
One of the most important responsibilities of any Police and Crime Commissioner is to replace an outgoing Chief Constable and as many people will already be aware Lincolnshire Police will be bidding farewell to its Chief early in the New Year as he retires after 31 years of dedicated service. Neil Rhodes has been an…
Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
One of the most important responsibilities of any Police and Crime Commissioner is to replace an outgoing Chief Constable and as many people will already be aware Lincolnshire Police will be bidding farewell to its Chief early in the New Year as he retires after 31 years of dedicated service.
Neil Rhodes has been an outstanding leader for Lincolnshire Police and remains very popular both within the force as well as amongst the wider Lincolnshire community and he will be a hard act for anyone to follow.
Working alongside Neil has been, and remains, a real privilege and I know that we will both continue to work together to deliver the sustainable financial future the force needs and the county deserves in the months to come, as well as maintaining the very high standards our residents expect from Lincolnshire Police.
When it comes to finding a suitable replacement there are a number of challenges which must be overcome, not least of which is the low number of qualified officers who can apply for the position.
Existing Chief Constables, Deputy Chief Constables and at the PCC’s discretion Assistant Chief Constables can apply. When you ask yourself how many of them will want to change roles, move home and very importantly be right for Lincolnshire then that field is very small.
To be very fair though there are some outstanding candidates from across the country and some very close to home, but you can’t just presume that they will apply or that they will ultimately be the very best candidate.
Under a recent change PCCs are now permitted to recruit a Chief Constable from overseas but very strictly only from New Zealand, Australia, Canada or America.
It would clearly take an exceptional individual to come from across the world and be a stronger candidate than our high calibre of home grown talent but I’m very open to looking for an exceptional individual wherever they are from.
I made the decision that as well as looking across the UK for Lincolnshire’s next Chief, adverts would also go out across the globe just to see if there is that exceptional person out there waiting for the challenge of taking our force forward into its next era.
I make no apologies for looking for the best applicant but equally my expectation remains that as a very efficient force delivering the forth lowest crime figures in the country we would be a very attractive proposition for the right UK candidate and I look forward to seeing who comes forward.
Huge changes are happening in the world of policing and here in Lincolnshire we are already investing in body worn video, mobile data devices and other technology which is rolling out across the county to ensure we meet those challenges.
New and emerging crime types such as protecting vulnerable people of all ages from online predators present a major drain to stretched resources.
We see a picture of rising demand and our officers and staff working ever harder to deliver the community safety we all want and expect.
Whoever the new Chief Constable of Lincolnshire ends up being they will inherit a force in good shape, a force that punches above its weight locally, regionally and nationally.
They will inherit a fine body of dedicated, hardworking officers, PCSOs and staff who give their all every day and deserve their welfare needs met by those in charge.
Most of all they will get the chance to live and work in the finest county this country has to offer and if they do the job as well as Chief Constable Neil Rhodes they won’t go far wrong.
Marc Jones is a Conservative County Councillor and Executive Member for Finance and Property.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
September 23, 2016 8.46 am
This story is over 86 months old
Column: My search for Lincolnshire Police’s next Chief Constable
One of the most important responsibilities of any Police and Crime Commissioner is to replace an outgoing Chief Constable and as many people will already be aware Lincolnshire Police will be bidding farewell to its Chief early in the New Year as he retires after 31 years of dedicated service. Neil Rhodes has been an…
Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
By Marc JonesLincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner
One of the most important responsibilities of any Police and Crime Commissioner is to replace an outgoing Chief Constable and as many people will already be aware Lincolnshire Police will be bidding farewell to its Chief early in the New Year as he retires after 31 years of dedicated service.
Neil Rhodes has been an outstanding leader for Lincolnshire Police and remains very popular both within the force as well as amongst the wider Lincolnshire community and he will be a hard act for anyone to follow.
Working alongside Neil has been, and remains, a real privilege and I know that we will both continue to work together to deliver the sustainable financial future the force needs and the county deserves in the months to come, as well as maintaining the very high standards our residents expect from Lincolnshire Police.
When it comes to finding a suitable replacement there are a number of challenges which must be overcome, not least of which is the low number of qualified officers who can apply for the position.
Existing Chief Constables, Deputy Chief Constables and at the PCC’s discretion Assistant Chief Constables can apply. When you ask yourself how many of them will want to change roles, move home and very importantly be right for Lincolnshire then that field is very small.
To be very fair though there are some outstanding candidates from across the country and some very close to home, but you can’t just presume that they will apply or that they will ultimately be the very best candidate.
Under a recent change PCCs are now permitted to recruit a Chief Constable from overseas but very strictly only from New Zealand, Australia, Canada or America.
It would clearly take an exceptional individual to come from across the world and be a stronger candidate than our high calibre of home grown talent but I’m very open to looking for an exceptional individual wherever they are from.
I made the decision that as well as looking across the UK for Lincolnshire’s next Chief, adverts would also go out across the globe just to see if there is that exceptional person out there waiting for the challenge of taking our force forward into its next era.
I make no apologies for looking for the best applicant but equally my expectation remains that as a very efficient force delivering the forth lowest crime figures in the country we would be a very attractive proposition for the right UK candidate and I look forward to seeing who comes forward.
Huge changes are happening in the world of policing and here in Lincolnshire we are already investing in body worn video, mobile data devices and other technology which is rolling out across the county to ensure we meet those challenges.
New and emerging crime types such as protecting vulnerable people of all ages from online predators present a major drain to stretched resources.
We see a picture of rising demand and our officers and staff working ever harder to deliver the community safety we all want and expect.
Whoever the new Chief Constable of Lincolnshire ends up being they will inherit a force in good shape, a force that punches above its weight locally, regionally and nationally.
They will inherit a fine body of dedicated, hardworking officers, PCSOs and staff who give their all every day and deserve their welfare needs met by those in charge.
Most of all they will get the chance to live and work in the finest county this country has to offer and if they do the job as well as Chief Constable Neil Rhodes they won’t go far wrong.
Marc Jones is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: