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Cleveland Police’s Chief Constable, Victoria Fuller, has expressed pride in her force’s bravery but criticized the way it is funded, especially in light of a recent tragic collision that claimed seven lives, including two police officers. In her first detailed interview since the fatal crash on the A66, Fuller spoke exclusively to the BBC, emphasizing the need for her force to be integrated into a larger, strategic organization with increased resources. She highlighted the significant strain on her officers, pointing out that they manage crime rates comparable to metropolitan areas despite having fewer than half the personnel.
The crash involved a Volkswagen Passat carrying five young men who were driving the wrong way on a motorway near Middlesbrough before colliding head-on with a marked police vehicle. Officers had been pursuing the vehicle for nearly seven minutes following suspected criminal activity, but the pursuit was stopped shortly before the collision, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Fuller recounted how she was informed of the incident by the duty commander while she was asleep, saying, “No matter how tragic and devastated you feel, we swing into action and we do what we need to do.”
Following the crash, several arrests have been made as part of a larger operation targeting organized crime. The government has pledged support by allocating an additional £2 million to Cleveland Police and deploying 200 officers from other regions to assist the force. While Fuller welcomed this aid, she stressed that consistent funding was essential, stating, “I need that all the time.” The region’s Labour police and crime commissioner has also highlighted the necessity for an extra £20 million annually to boost officer numbers and tackle organized crime effectively.
Fuller described the policing challenges in Middlesbrough and Teesside as complex, marked by high rates of school absence, drug addiction, and mental health issues, yet she rejected the idea that gangs have full control over parts of the area. She acknowledged the impact of social deprivation and unemployment, explaining that criminals exploit young people who lack hope and confidence in the system. Fuller honored the two officers who lost their lives, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, extending her condolences to their families and colleagues. Meanwhile, the Home Office expressed gratitude for Cleveland Police’s robust response under difficult circumstances, confirming ongoing engagement regarding financial support and announcing a planned review of the police funding formula to better match local needs
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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