Incident numbers lead to changes

With the support of the Cleveland Police Authority, Chief Constable Barry Shaw wants to implement changes to cope with an increase in the force's workload. Last year alone, the number of incidents increased by 34,000, and the number of 999 calls rose by 25 per cent.

Changes are proposed to working practices in the new and refurbished custody areas which the force plans to introduce next year.

New prisoner handling teams will interview prisoners and prepare cases for court, reducing the time spent by operational officers dealing with prisoners and paperwork, and allowing them more time on the beat.

The existing police districts, based on the four local authority areas, will remain, and the force will continue to play an increasingly important role in partnership working with other agencies.

A new computer system will be introduced next year to maintain records of local problems and complaints, and the action taken by the police. The new system will make it easier for officers to provide feedback.

Mr Shaw said: "When it is an emergency the public want us there now, when it is not an emergency they want us to arrive when we said we would, and when we have dealt with their problem they want to know what we have done.

"These are legitimate expectations that we can't deliver with our existing workload and systems. That is why we have to change."

Chief Superintendent Jeff Evans has been appointed director of response to lead the team of officers who oversee the way police respond to incidents.

The new director of crime, Chief Superintendent Peter Wilson, is responsible for the crime reduction and investigation strategies delivered by uniformed officers, CID and support staff. Additional funding provided by the police authority this year is kick-starting the three year change programme.

Extra communications staff have been recruited, more police officers are planned, and the number of officers dealing with drugs and organised crime will increase.