Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner is engaging with people involved in the summer’s violent disorder to understand how future bouts of unrest can be avoided.
Matt Storey recently spent time with a male serving a custodial sentence for the role he played in the violent disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday 31st July this year.
Facilitated by Restorative Cleveland, the meeting is part of wider restorative justice work taking place between those involved in the disorder, police officers and affected communities.
Matt is also taking part in ‘shuttle mediation’ with other detained people, via written communication in which they respond to questions posed by the PCC.
Restorative Cleveland, a service commissioned by the PCC, has engaged with eight people involved in the disorder to date and supported two conversations between offenders and assaulted police officers.
Matt said: “Following the terrible scenes over the summer, naturally many of us tried to understand why people felt compelled to take part in the violence and vandalism.
“Whilst those of us in public office can speculate, the real reason lies with those who took part and as their elected representative, it’s important I hear their voice too.
“It was an insightful and lengthy conversation, in which we discussed the consequences of his behaviour, the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and his future aspirations.
“I’m grateful that he took the time to speak with me and that I was able to communicate the lasting impact his behaviour has had on local residents and police officers.”
Becky Childs, Service Manager at Restorative Cleveland said: “Restorative Justice brings together individuals harmed through offending and those identified as responsible, with the aim of making amends, repairing harm, and supporting both parties to move forward.
“As such, the use of restorative approaches is ideally suited to facilitating ongoing communication between the community, police and professionals to better understand the underlying reasons for the disorder and the recovery from this.”
Following the disorder, Matt engaged with affected communities in both Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, including knocking on doors to inform residents about the Riot Compensation scheme.
He also met with organisations supporting asylum seekers and refugees, faith groups and other community groups impacted by the disorder.
Matt has plans to meet another focus group of victims in January 2025, to understand the lasting impact of the violence on communities.
The efforts of the PCC and his team were recognised this year at the Tees Valley EDI Awards, in which the organisation received a nomination for the Public Sector Award.