Police force 'making progress but has more to do'

A police force brought out of special measures two years ago has made further improvements but must develop the thoroughness of its investigations and how it protects vulnerable people, inspectors say.

Cleveland Police has undergone significant restructuring in recent years, according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), leading to "progress in all areas".

The watchdog graded performance across eight categories, finding the force was "good" in four, "adequate" in two and "requires improvement" in a further two.

Cleveland's Chief Constable, Mark Webster, described the report as "putting us as one of the top-performing police forces" in the country.

Michelle Skeer, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said there had been a "considerable investment" in Cleveland's approach to prevention which has created a "more efficient and effective service".

She praised the organisation's leaders for making "well-thought-out changes" to ensure the force used its resources effectively, with services to the public markedly improved.

HMICFRS' report found "a clear strategic direction" among senior officers with the force, which covers areas including Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough, now attracting more experienced and skilled officers than it is losing to other places.

Neighbourhood policing teams were also said to be working well with communities to understand and meet their needs.

However, while the force carries out timely investigations, "they aren't always thorough or effective", the report detailed.

The number of crimes it solves following an investigation is "low" with relevant lines of inquiry not always completed and victims not always updated well enough.

More work is needed to establish whether victims of crime are vulnerable or intimidated, inspectors say, and to establish the type of support they need.

Cleveland was put into special measures in 2019 after becoming the first force in the country to be rated inadequate in all areas.

At that time, it was found to be "putting the public at risk" and "operating without a clear plan or direction".

Those oversight arrangements followed years of controversy in which the organisation admitted misusing anti-terror legislation to spy on journalists and numerous scandals centring on officers' behaviour, including an inspector who targeted junior colleagues for sex.

Mr Webster became the force's seventh top officer in less than a decade when he was appointed in February 2022.

Asked what had led to the turnaround in recent years, he told the BBC there had been a "simple, clear focus on what really matters".

"It's a great report, putting us as one of the top-performing police forces in the whole of the country, which is a really good position to be in.

"We've put a lot of effort into making sure criminals see consequences for their actions.

"We get out there and get a grip of criminals who are causing problems in communities. That's made a big difference.

"The other thing that's recognised in the report is how good we are at prevention. All of that work makes a difference to the level of crime overall."

Questioned on the areas highlighted as needing further effort, Mr Webster said the force was "doing a lot of work around domestic abuse" as well as "recruiting more detectives and getting the right people with the right skills, properly supervised and with the right help".

He added the report "clearly draws a line under anything that's gone on in the past".

Last month, it was announced Mr Webster will retire later this year.

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