Performance and Measurement

Summary

The Cleveland police area covers approximately 595 square kilometres and has a population of over 553,000, containing some areas of significant socio-economic deprivation. The force area is divided into four operational commands whose boundaries are in line with the four unitary local authorities.

This year has seen the financial close of Action Stations – a private finance initiative project, which will not only increase cell capacity and improve working practices but also promote community policing. The first facilities will be available at the end of 2006. Meanwhile Operation Delivery, constructed with the assistance of the Home Office Police and Crime Standards Directorate (PCSD) to reduce crime and improve crime investigation within Cleveland, is almost complete with only two out of the original 74 actions outstanding.

The force is working to sustain the increase in recruitment from under-represented racial groups, with the last two intakes of probationers containing 6.6% and 12.5% from black and minority ethnic backgrounds respectively. As the first force to recruit part-time probationers, Cleveland promotes staff retention with flexible working practices.
Measures have been put in place to pursue maximum effectiveness in the face of budgetary pressures. This is being undertaken in three workstreams that include reviewing and restructuring services.

Having closed the performance gap between Cleveland and its peer forces, the force formally disengaged from PCSD (which provided financial and consultancy support) in June 2006.

For further information see the full baseline assessment.