Teesside Crime Commissioners Five Year Plan to save the scandal ridden Cleveland Police....

Labour PCC Matt Storey sets out his five year plan to save what many claim is a 'broken' police force...

Labour Police & Crime Commissioner Matt Storey sets out his five year plan outlining a strategic vision for Cleveland Police, but few are convinced the scandal ridden police force will last that long, as misconduct scandals just keep on being unearthed...

14th December 2024

Cleveland’s Polices Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey, has reportedly unveiled his five-year plan to tackle crime and restore confidence in policing across Teesside.

Branded as a vision for "safe, strong, and confident communities," the strategy is claimed to set out a clear agenda for addressing the unique challenges faced by Teesside residents.

The plan, developed after Storey’s election in May 2024, outlines priorities shaped by consultations with police, criminal justice agencies, community groups, and victims of crime. It's also said to draw on feedback from local residents, highlighting a commitment to practical solutions that supposedly reflect public concerns.

Storey’s strategy is said to be an ambitious response to alarming crime statistics being seen on Teesside with the region said to hold the highest crime rates in the entire country, with Middlesbrough and Hartlepool key areas in the force’s jurisdiction where the towns are said to be ranked second and third nationally for drug-related deaths. Compounding these issues, its claimed 40% of Teesside's population live in some of the most deprived areas in country & live well below the poverty line. .

Five Year Plans do little to repair a clearly 'corrupt' Police Force...

Despite being one of the smallest police forces in the country, Cleveland Police is shamefully branded as the most 'corrupt', with numerous misconduct allegations, questionable deaths in custody & whats said to be 600 incidents and nearly 900 calls daily to deal with. These figures are said highlight the scale of the challenge ahead.

Speaking at a launch event at Cleveland Police HQ, Storey emphasised the importance of community input in shaping his approach:

“When I was elected, I committed to listening to the real concerns of residents, grassroots organisations, and the police. This plan reflects what people want—less crime, more visible policing, and safer neighbourhoods for their families. My focus is on action and collaboration to achieve these goals.”

Storey also stressed the need to address a culture of misogyny, calling for abusive behaviours to be challenged at every level. Proposals include re-purposing community spaces as safe havens for those at risk.

Storey’s plan, according to critics is a clear acknowledgement of Cleveland’s tough reality, but it offers a pragmatic and action-oriented roadmap to safer communities. Success is likely to depend on holding local institutions accountable, ensuring resources are used efficiently, and fostering a culture of trust between the police and the public, something that's been lost to almost irreversible proportions since the Summer 2024 riots. .

With a focus on reducing crime and protecting the vulnerable, supporters of Storey's plan plan claim it offers a promising framework for Teessides future—but its real impact will be judged on results & a force who's Misconduct record is one of the worst in the country .