New chief constable for Lincolnshire

Chris Haward has been appointed in the top role.

He expects to take up the post on December 21 after current Chief Bill Skelly retires. Mr Haward will move on from his current role as head of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) where he has led on Major Crime Investigations, tackling Serious and Organised Crime, covert policing and Counter Terrorism.

In 2016 Mr Haward moved to Derbyshire Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable and took over EMSOU in early 2018 in the rank of Deputy Chief Constable. He is married with two children.

Mr Haward said he is “delighted” to be appointed as the new Chief for Lincolnshire and is looking forward to getting started.

He said“I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the role of the new Chief Constable in Lincolnshire.

“The role presents some exciting challenges and the Force has grown a strong national reputation as an innovator which I look forward to building upon. I am already very familiar with the Force from my work leading on specialist operations across the region but I am excited to become part of the Lincolnshire community and to deliver the policing service that local residents expect and deserve.

“I joined the police nearly three decades ago because I have a strong desire to fight crime and keep communities safe. I will bring that determination and dedication to the county and look forward to meeting the challenges of the future.”

The first things he said he intends to do are to get out and about in Lincolnshire’s communities in order to understand what is important to people who live and work here; prioritise resource in order to improve our fight against crime; listen to officers and staff about ways to improve public safety; and consider processes around rehabilitation to ensure officers and staff are helping those most in need.

The new chief was raised in Zambia and Botswana before returning to Yorkshire for secondary school. He joined Leicestershire Police in 1991 where he worked his way up from beat bobby to Detective Inspector through to Chief Superintendent.

He was the Gold Commander for Leicester City Football Club for several years, including the Premiership winning season, and spent three years with Interpol tackling drug trafficking across the globe.

Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones said: “I am delighted to be able to bring a senior officer of Chris’ experience and commitment to Lincolnshire.

“He has a fantastic track record of fighting crime and managing community policing and his appointment is another positive step forward in the drive to create an effective force Lincolnshire can be proud of.

“I very much look forward to working with Chris to keep our communities safe.”