Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey announced two weeks ago that Victoria, who is currently the Deputy Chief Constable at Cleveland Police, was his preferred choice to take over from Mark Webster, who retires next month.
The PCC’s decision was referred to the Police and Crime Panel, to give Panel members the opportunity to review the recruitment and selection process, and consider Victoria’s candidacy in person.
The Panel, which is made up of elected and independent members from across Cleveland, had the power to ratify or veto the Commissioner’s proposed candidate. Members unanimously approved Mr Storey’s decision to appoint Victoria to the force’s top job.
Victoria is currently the Deputy Chief Constable at Cleveland Police, having joined the force in May 2022. She started her career at Durham Constabulary in 1999, where she served for 23 years.
Chair of the all-party Cleveland Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Tony Riordan, said: “The panel members were wholly impressed with how Mrs Fuller conducted herself during the hearing, and particularly her enthusiasm in driving Cleveland Police forward on its continuous journey of improvement.
“We felt she impressed us all with her wealth of operational knowledge, her vision for the force and her passion for providing the people of Cleveland with a first-class police service.”
PCC Matt Storey said: “I’m delighted that the Panel has unanimously supported Victoria as my preferred choice for the role of Chief Constable of Cleveland Police.
“Like me, they saw first-hand what an exceptional police leader Victoria is, and I am absolutely confident in her ability to build on the foundations laid by outgoing Chief Constable Mark Webster.
“She brings stability to Cleveland Police at a time when it is more important than ever to maintain the outstanding progress highlighted during the force’s last inspection.
“I look forward to working with her to achieve my vision of safe, strong and confident communities.”
Mrs Fuller is expected to take up her post in July, following the retirement of current Chief Constable Mark Webster.
