PCC announces preferred candidate for chief constable of Cleveland Police

Ms Fuller is currently deputy chief constable at the force and will replace Mark Webster in July, following his decision to retire from policing after 34 years of service.

PCC Matt Storey said it followed a “rigorous recruitment and assessment process” and will now be subject to confirmation by Cleveland’s Police and Crime Panel.

Ms Fuller 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 force’s first female senior investigating officer.

Joining Cleveland Police in May 2022 as assistant chief constable, Ms Fuller was promoted to deputy chief constable the following February, a role in which she has driven significant improvements in operational and organisational performance aimed at delivering a better service to the people of Teesside.

Ms Fuller will appear before the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel for a confirmation hearing on June 20.

Mr Storey said: “It is one of my greatest responsibilities as PCC to appoint a chief constable to lead Cleveland Police. I take this privilege extremely seriously and I’m delighted to announce Victoria as my preferred candidate.

“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.

“Subject to the consideration of the Police and Crime Panel, I’m confident that Victoria is the right person to maintain this momentum and take the force to the next level on its journey of ambitious improvement.”

Ms Fuller has a passion for safeguarding vulnerable people and problem solving. Throughout her career she has worked in several and varied policing functions and at a strategic level. She is a trained and accredited Strategic Firearms Commander and is multi agency Gold incident command trained.