Lancashire PCC appoints new Chief Constable

The Commissioner congratulates Andy Rhodes on his appointment.

The Commissioner (left) congratulates Andy Rhodes on his appointment.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw has announced the appointment of Andy Rhodes to the position of Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary.

The new Chief will take up the post in June following the retirement of Steve Finnigan. Mr Rhodes is currently deputy with the Lancashire force, and has been appointed following a two-day interview process supported by the College of Policing.

The Commissioner said, “Andy brings a wealth of experience to the role. Lancashire is consistently one of the highest performing police forces in the country and I am confident the new Chief Constable will continue to maintain that position.

“It’s an honour and a privilege as Police and Crime Commissioner to be able to appoint the Chief Constable and is one of the biggest decisions I will make.”

Mr Rhodes said, “The process over the last two days has been extremely tense, and quite rightly so. This is the proudest moment of my career. It’s a challenging and exciting role and I cannot wait to get started.”

The Commissioner added, “Lancashire continues to face significant challenges brought about by the changing nature of crime, increased demand and decreasing budgets and I am looking forward to working together with Andy in the years ahead.”

Mr Rhodes began his policing career in Lancashire in 1991, rising to Divisional Commander for East in 2006 and has served as Assistant Chief Constable before being appointed Deputy in 2014.

The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel on 20 March.