Cleveland PCC Steve Turner has commended his team for their dedication in delivering so many positive outcomes in his newly-published Annual Report for 2022-23.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) supports the PCC to deliver the objectives of his 10-Point Police and Crime Plan.
The plan aims to reduce crime and build confidence in policing across Cleveland.
The OPCC was shortlisted for ‘Organisation of the Year’ in the Howard League for Penal Reform’s Community Awards in late 2022.
Every year the PCC must produce an annual report on progress against the Plan, which is presented to Cleveland Police and Crime Panel for their consideration.
Earlier this month, the PCC highlighted a number of successes to the Panel from the last year. They included:
- Exceeding national recruitment targets for Cleveland Police officers. By the end of March, the force had recruited 267 additional officers since the start of the Government’s Uplift (recruitment) programme.
- Significant improvements in Cleveland Police noted by inspectors from HMIFRs in their latest report, released earlier this year.
- The launch of Cleveland’s first policing app COPA. Within the first six months, it had been downloaded by more than 4,500 people to their smartphones.
- A successful first year for Cleveland violence reduction partnership CURV. The partnership reached more than 30,000 people with a range of interventions. They were designed to educate and discourage people from getting involved with serious violence.
Steve was also encouraged by performance data for Cleveland Police over the last 12 months, including faster 999 call answering times and an increase in the use of stop and search powers.
“Immensely proud”
Steve said: “I am immensely proud of the progress made in the past year and the dedication demonstrated by all those involved.
“I am grateful to the dedicated staff in my office, the hard-working individuals of Cleveland Police, and all our partners for their unwavering support in bringing my Plan to fruition.
“Together, we have embraced innovation, tackled pressing issues, and laid the foundation for a safer and more prosperous Cleveland.
“I look forward to our continued collaboration and collective efforts as we strive to achieve even greater success in the years to come.”
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Steve will continue to focus on tackling the impact of drug-related harm. He’ll do this by co-funding the successful Project ADDER programme.
Project ADDER aims to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs and the work of organised crime gangs as well as curb demand for drugs in Middlesbrough.
During the last financial year, this project resulted 619 arrests resulting in a charge, 500 weapon seizures and 1,527 drug seizures.
Another focus will be reducing levels of antisocial behaviour (ASB) across Cleveland. The area has been selected by the Home Office for a hotspot patrol programme. That will mean increased uniform patrols in areas affected by ASB.
Cleveland will also welcome an Immediate Justice scheme. It will see people, who have offended, asked to make reparation for their behaviour.
The OPCC will also be submitting a bid to the fifth round of national Safer Streets funding. The office has been successful in securing investment in all four previous rounds.
Read the annual report