Lincolnshire: Chief Constable Back At Work

2 April 2013, 08:19 | Updated: 2 April 2013, 19:08

The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police, who overturned a suspension, returns to work today.

Neil Rhodes was suspended by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan Hardwick, over the way he handled a race discrimination claim.

Mr Hardwick had previously said Mr Rhodes could only return as Deputy Chief Constable, because he was out of contract after March 31st.

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''.

Mr Hardwick said: "In reaching this agreement the importance of stability in the leadership of the force has been the primary concern.''

Mr Hardwick said Mr Rhodes would continue leading the police "until the completion of the investigation and any consequent procedures are complete."

"The recruitment of a permanent Chief Constable will also be delayed pending this outcome.''

Mr Rhodes has previously said he just wanted to "get back to work''.