'Proud To Represent Cleveland Police'

26 January 2023

Policing metropolitan demands on a rural budget means it is unfair to describe Cleveland Police as the “worst performing” force, the Federation has said.

Cleveland Police Federation Chair Stephen Williams-Reader said he agreed with comments made by Chief Constable Mark Webster, who said labelling the force as the worst in England and Wales was “lazy”.

The force was described as such by HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke, when he gave evidence to MPs at the Home Affairs Committee.

But Stephen said officers in the force were facing “extreme demands” and worked hard to protect the public.

He said: “I, like many other officers who represent Cleveland Police, am proud to work for and represent the force. I 100% agree with the lazy tag comment made by Chief Constable Mark Webster.

“HM Chief Inspector Andy Cooke also told the MPs that Cleveland is a small Constabulary that are underfunded as we have metropolitan demands with a rural budget. We do have high rates of violence and firearms incidents.

“This is an example of the extreme demands that are placed on our officers every day and are a testament to service we provide to keep the public safe.

“Chief Constable Mark Webster has the full support of Cleveland Police Federation in his core mission.”

In an interview with BBC Radio Tees, CC Webster said “real improvement” was being made at the force, but budgets meant there was “a limit to how good the force can be”.

See more here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-64398977