Victoria Fuller is preferred candidate as new chief constable of Cleveland

The current DCC has been selected by PCC Matt Storey with advice from a panel which included the head of the College of Policing and an HMIC.

PCC Matt Storey selected Victoria, who is currently Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, following a recruitment and assessment process over the 4th and 5th June.

Subject to confirmation by Cleveland’s Police and Crime Panel, Victoria will replace Mark Webster in July, following his decision to retire from policing after 34 years of service.

Victoria started her career in policing in 1999, joining Durham Constabulary where she served for 23 years. She worked predominantly in crime investigation roles and was the first female Senior Investigating Officer in Durham Police.

Joining Cleveland Police in May 2022 as Assistant Chief Constable, Victoria was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable the following February.

The three-part interview schedule included:

-An internal panel made up of police officers, staff and volunteers;
-An external panel consisting of local and regional partners- and a final appointment panel of five experienced leaders, chaired by the PCC.

Those on the panel were:

Sir Andy Marsh – Chief Executive of the College of Policing
Roy Wilshire – His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary
Denise McGuckin – Managing Director of Hartlepool Borough Council
Yasmin Khan – Director of the Halo Project and Adviser to the Welsh Government on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

According to PCC Storey the panel “asked questions on delivering successful neighbourhood policing, making organisational efficiencies and tackling violence against women and girls.”

Victoria will appear before the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel for a confirmation hearing on 20th June. The Panel will review the selection process and consider the appointment before giving their view.

PCC Storey added: “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.

“Over the last three years, Mark has led Cleveland Police with dedication, professionalism and focus – leaving the force on strong foundations as one of the most improved in the country.”