Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller has publicly stated that she is proud of her "brave" force, but warned that the organization is being "let down" by the current funding model. In her first sit-down interview since a fatal crash on the A66 that claimed seven lives, including two of her own officers, Fuller argued that the force must evolve into a larger, more strategic entity with greater resources to effectively serve the region.
Fuller explained that her officers are currently managing some of the highest crime levels in the country, comparable to those faced by major metropolitan forces, yet they are operating with less than half the number of officers. She noted that the force is currently staffed as if it were a rural department, a situation she described as needing urgent change. While she expressed hope that national policing reforms are on the horizon, she emphasized that in the meantime, the force requires additional funding to maintain its capability and surge capacity when necessary.
The force covers a region in north-east England that includes Middlesbrough and Teesside, areas where high levels of deprivation and unemployment are fueling organized crime. Fuller rejected the characterization that gangs have control over parts of Middlesbrough, describing the area instead as "complex" to police, with significant challenges related to school absence, drug addiction, and mental health issues. She observed that criminals often exploit young people who lack aspiration or hope, providing them with a false sense of confidence that leads them to act without considering the consequences.
Reflecting on the tragedy of August 22, Fuller paid tribute to PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who were killed in the head-on collision. "My heart goes out to their families – it really does," she said. "My grief can't compare to theirs, nor to the officers and staff who've worked closely with Matty and Tom for a long time." The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reported that the officers had been pursuing a Volkswagen Passat for nearly seven minutes due to its link to alleged criminal activity, but the pursuit was abandoned 10 seconds before the crash when the vehicle turned onto the dual carriageway.
The five men in the Passat, who also died in the crash, were aged between 17 and 23. Cleveland Police previously stated that four of them had previous convictions, including for theft and assaulting police officers. Since the incident, the force has made multiple arrests as part of a wider operation against organized crime. Furthermore, the force has been managing other severe incidents, including a house fire in Middlesbrough that killed 34-year-old Natalie McDonald and her seven-year-old niece, Valentina Foster. A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with that fire, which police have not ruled out as being linked to organized crime. Additionally, the force has responded to at least two incidents believed to be in retaliation for the A66 crash.
Fuller emphasized that the force is doing its best with available resources but reiterated the need for more support. The Labour police and crime commissioner for Cleveland has previously called for an extra £20m annually to hire more officers and combat organized crime. The Home Office responded by stating it is grateful for the force's robust response in difficult circumstances and remains in regular contact with local leaders. A spokesperson confirmed that Cleveland Police will receive an additional £2m in targeted funding, with total funding reaching up to £197.8m for the 2026/2027 financial year, marking a 3.7% cash uplift. The government has also committed to a wider review of the national police funding formula to ensure it is fair and responsive to local needs.
