Chief Constable Neil Rhodes goes back on the beat

He headed out with constables for the first time since he was reinstated as Chief Constable earlier this week

He said, “I joined Lincolnshire Police 27 years ago and just wanted to remind myself what policing is all about – serving the community.”

Mr Rhodes was suspended a month ago by Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick while allegations surrounding his conduct were investigated.

However, a high court judge ruled last Thursday that the chief constable be reinstated.

Mr Rhodes said there had been tensions with the Police and Crime Commissioner and it had been a very difficult few weeks.

He added: “The judge in the High Court very firmly drew a line under that and I am looking forward to a very calm and sensible working relationship with the PCC and am very firmly committed to achieving just that.”

The Chief Constable also acknowledged the achievements of the force over the last year saying there had been a massive 14 per cent reduction in crime to the year ending in March.

“That means there were 6,000 fewer victims of crime in the County and we were operating with 100 fewer officers,” he said.

“It is going to be a challenge to keep that impetus going but it is very much now ‘business as usual.’”