Officers praised for their hard work as force comes out of Special Measures

21 September 2023

The “outstanding work, effort and commitment” of Cleveland officers has contributed to the force being taken out of special measures, Cleveland Police Federation has said.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) put Cleveland Police into special measures in 2019. But following a re-inspection, the watchdog said there had been "significant improvements in its approach to preventing crime and antisocial behaviour". HM Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer praised improvements to planning, organisational management and how the force achieved value for money.

Cleveland Police Federation Chair Stephen Williams-Reader said: “Today our Chief Constable confirmed that Cleveland Police was out of the special measures that had been in place since 2019.

“HMICFRS has been carrying out an in-depth scrutiny of the force over the past four years. We now have the second-highest arrest rate nationally; we are one of the best forces for prosecutions put before the courts; there is a reduction in outstanding suspects; and we’ve seen reductions in residential burglaries, robberies, vehicle crime and theft.

“We thank our Cleveland Police officers for their outstanding work, effort and commitment to keeping the Cleveland community safe.”

Chief Constable Mark Webster, who joined the force last year, said he had been "committed to steering a clear pathway out of HMICFRS oversight".

He added: "I have also seen the commitment and determination of colleagues every day, striving to drive the force forward. The team has shown professionalism and dedication in following our mission to protect people, protect communities, tackle criminals and be the best we can be.

"Today we are celebrating this news and acknowledging Cleveland Police isn't the same force it was in 2019, but this does not mean our hard work will stop."