The recruitment process to find a new Cleveland Police chief constable to replace the retiring Mark Webster is to begin this week.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the aim is to secure a preferred candidate by June with a confirmation hearing taking place towards the end of that month.
It was confirmed recently that Mr Webster, who was appointed in April 2022, plans to retire after 34 years in the police service.
He has agreed a contract extension which will mean he will stay on in the post until 27 July to allow time for a successor to be secured.
After the closing date of 11 May has expired, candidates will be shortlisted and face questioning from three different panels – one made up of officers, staff and volunteers; an external panel consisting of stakeholder representatives from partner organisations and finally an appointment panel where they will be formally interviewed for the job.
This will be chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey who will be joined by a representative from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the College of Policing.
A spokeswoman for the PCC said candidates would also undergo “personality/psychometric testing”, the results of which will be provided to the appointment panel.
Mr Storey told the LDRS that Chief Constable Mr Webster had provided “authentic and inclusive leadership” and had created stability and a structure needed to see the force make significant improvements.
On what he was looking for in a successor, he said: “I will be looking for a strong and courageous leader who has the skills and determination to develop on the good work to date, to build trust and confidence in policing and drive down crime.
“I’m seeking a chief constable who understands the rich diversity and complex needs of our communities, and who can develop strategies to keep them safe, with resources that never stretch as far as we would like.
“I have worked in collaboration with the College of Policing and a range of stakeholders to develop a robust recruitment process to find Cleveland Police’s next leader – someone who our officers and staff can be proud of and trust to build a strong force for the future.
“It’s important that steps are made in this next chapter to build on the significant progress already made, as well as recognising the future brings challenges and opportunities to build safe, strong and confident communities across the whole of Cleveland.”
Under Mr Webster’s leadership, reported crime has fallen in Cleveland, while HMICFRS recently said progress continued to be made in all areas, rating preventing crime, use of police powers, managing offenders and developing a positive workplace as all good.
However an inspection report also revealed improvements were still required in how the force investigates crime and protects vulnerable people.
