Cleveland Police to put more 'bobbies on the beat' with pledge to transform teams in your community

The force revealed a new strategy to return to traditional neighbourhood policing on Tuesday, February 4, with Chief Constable Richard Lewis pledging to boost the number of officers in such teams in coming months.

Twenty-four officers will be back on the beat by the end of February, with Cleveland expected to have 240 people dedicated to gathering intelligence, preventing crime and problem-solving by summer.

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger made commitmed to strengthening neighbourhood policing when first elected in 2012 and last year called on Chief Con Lewis to ensure communities have access to key dedicated resources.

Mr Coppinger said Tuesday’s announcement marks a “turning point” for Cleveland Police.

“When I engage with communities across Cleveland they often share a common concern – that they value the work of our brave and hardworking police officers, but wish there were more of them on our streets,” he said.

The Commissioner continued: “However, we must acknowledge that additional police officers is only part of the solution.

“I expect rapid improvement to the entire organisation and will be closely monitoring progress as part of my scrutiny process to ensure the resources the force has are used efficiently and effectively to protect the people who live, work and visit here.”

The movement of officers to neighbourhood roles will be carried out in phases to ensure work outside of neighbourhood policing is not impacted by the change.

Chief Con Lewis described Bobbies on the beat as “the cornerstone of British policing” – and added that their presence is vital in keeping communities safe.

The decision to invest in neighbourhood policing is one which will affect staff across the force, he said, providing them with the support and solutions they need for “high demand” problems.

He added: “We have made a number of commitments to those residing, working and investing in Cleveland and will continue to strive to be a force for good and for all as we move towards a modern, effective neighbourhood policing model.”