Suspended chief constable can return to job

Neil Rhodes will now lead Lincolnshire Police as Chief Constable.

The force’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alan Hardwick had previously said Mr Rhodes could only return as Deputy Chief Constable, because he was out of contract after March 31.

Following talks between the two at the weekend, Mr Hardwick has now changed his mind, with Mr Rhodes set to stay in his role for the immediate future.

Mr Rhodes was suspended by the PCC and remains the subject of an investigation over “potential conduct matters”.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission declined to look at the allegation against Mr Rhodes as it did not amount to what could be considered serious misconduct.

In a statement, Mr Hardwick said he and Mr Rhodes had 
“jointly agreed” the Chief Constable’s full reinstatement was in “the best interests of Lincolnshire Police”.