Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Matt Storey, has issued a statement today (Friday 24 May 2024) in response to recent guidance asking police to make fewer arrests, due to issues with prison capacity.
The National Police Chief Council (NPCC) sent a letter to Chief Constables asking them to considering pausing non-priority arrests and planned police operations, to “ease the pressure within the criminal justice system”.
Matt said: “I find it very concerning that police forces are being advised to limit ‘non-priority’ arrests and reduce the number of planned operations, due to issues with prison capacity – which is completely outside of police control.
“This places the burden of prison mismanagement on hard-working police officers, who are rightly taking positive action to safeguard victims and detain offenders.
“I’m closely monitoring the situation in Cleveland and want to assure communities that I’m working with the Chief Constable to ensure this approach does not have an impact on public safety.”