New Chief Superintendent in East Lancashire
Tuesday, 10 April, 2012
A NEW police chief is set to take command of Lancashire Constabulary's Pennine Division.
Chief Superintendent Chris Bithell has taken over as Divisional Commander, covering the boroughs of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale. He will replace Chief Superintendent Clive Tattum who will take up the post of Head of Crime for the force.
It is a welcome return to the area for Ch Supt Bithell, who started his policing career as a foot patrol officer in Burnley. He has since worked in a variety of operational roles across the county during his 23 years' service
In 2006, he was promoted to Superintendent in charge of operational policing in the Constabulary's Southern Division before moving to Eastern Division where he continued the role as Operations Manager. He was then appointed Chief Superintendent in charge of specialist operations for the force including public order, road policing and armed response where he has spent the last two years.
Over the last 12 months Ch Supt Bithell has commanded some of the Constabulary's largest ever public order operations - including the EDL demonstrations in Preston, Blackburn and Blackpool.
He said: "I am really proud to have returned to Pennine Division and I am looking forward to building on the fantastic work that is already taking place.
"I intend to continue the strong partnership work that has already been established whilst listening to the public and keeping people who live in, work in and visit the division safe."
Ch Supt Bithell is married with two children and lives in East Lancashire.
