Police deputy set to take on top job

A deputy chief constable is to step up into her force's top job, it has been announced.

Victoria Fuller has been named as the preferred candidate to replace Cleveland Police Chief Constable Mark Webster when he retires next month.

Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey said the selection followed a rigorous recruitment and assessment process ahead of a confirmation hearing to be held on 20 June.

Mr Webster became the force's seventh top officer in less than a decade when he was appointed in February 2022 and helped lift it out of special measures.

The organisation covers areas including Hartlepool, Redcar, Stockton and Middlesbrough.

Ms Fuller began her policing career in the neighbouring Durham force in 1999 where she became its first female senior investigating officer.

She was appointed Cleveland's assistant chief constable in 2022 and then deputy chief constable the following year.

Storey said she "demonstrates a clear passion for making the Cleveland area safer and her current leadership role has given her an excellent understanding of the challenges the area faces".

He praised Mr Webster, who he described as having led with "dedication, professionalism and focus", turning the force into "one of the most improved in the country".

His retirement comes after 34 years in policing.

He was tasked with turning around Cleveland's fortunes, with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services warning it had been "putting the public at risk".

In September 2023, the watchdog said Cleveland had made "significant improvements in its approach to preventing crime and antisocial behaviour", meaning oversight arrangements could be brought to a close.

However, in February this year the PCC said he would conduct a "deep dive" after inspectors found serious failings in the force's child safeguarding efforts.

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