The force has been under HMICFRS close scrutiny since 2019

The police force that has been in special measures for the longest out of those still under HMICFRS close scrutiny is now officially clear from them. 

Cleveland has had seven different chief constables in less than 10 years and at one stage faced calls to be disbanded and merged with a neighbouring force. It remained one of a handful of forces described by the HMIC as failing including the Met. 

Now HMICFRS has confirmed it is out of the engage process.

The small force had been under HMICFRS oversight since 2019, and following a number of in-depth inspections since then, improvements to the service have now been recognised.

Chief Constable Mark Webster said: “I am very pleased to confirm that Cleveland Police is no longer in special measures and has been removed from the ‘engage’ phase of force monitoring by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

“Since joining Cleveland Police in April 2022, I have been committed to steering a clear pathway out of HMICFRS oversight.

“I have also seen the commitment and determination of colleagues every day, striving to drive the force forward.

“I would like to publicly thank each and every officer, member of staff, volunteer, the senior leadership team and the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for their hard work and dedication which has led us to this point.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner praised the chief, saying: “Mark’s outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication are some of the key reasons why the force is in this positive position today.”