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Police deputy set to take on top job

Cleveland Police Victoria Fuller standing in front of a Cleveland Police building. She has shoulder-length blonde hair and is wearing a navy blazer with a red top underneath.Cleveland Police
Victoria Fuller's appointment as Cleveland's Chief Constable is due to be rubber-stamped later this month

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 ion for making the Cleveland area safer and her current leadership role has given her an excellent understanding of the challenges the area faces".

Cleveland Police Head-and-shoulder image of Mark Webster. He is looking to his right and is wearing a police uniform, including a white shirt and black tie. He has short greying hair. Cleveland Police's logo can be seen in the background.Cleveland Police
Mark Webster has overseen Cleveland Police being taken out of special measures

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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