Cleveland Police and Stockton Council pledge to take zero-tolerance approach to abuse against Civic Enforcement Officers

Pictured L-R: Chief Inspector Dan Heron from Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and Civic Enforcement Manager for Stockton Council Richard Bradford 

Cleveland Police and Stockton Borough Council are pledging to take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and assaults against Civic Enforcement Officers (CEOs).

CEOs respond to complaints of nuisance and environmental issues and regularly work alongside Cleveland Police to put in place preventative measures to stop problems occurring in the community.

This pledge sends out a strong message that abuse will not be tolerated, prosecutions will be sought and support will be given to victims.

Chief Inspector Dan Heron from Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said: “Civic Enforcement Officers (CEOs) do an incredible frontline job under sometimes very challenging circumstances.

“Without question, the work they do has a direct benefit in the local community. I, along with my team, are very grateful for the support the CEOs offer, especially when it means police resources can be used elsewhere. 

“It is wholly unacceptable for anybody to be subjected to abuse or physical assaults – there can be no tolerance for this behaviour particularly against CEOs.

“This pledge ensures that we don’t let any incidents fall under the radar and it is a step to further develop a strong working relationship between my team and the Stockton CEOs.”

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “We are proud to serve our residents  alongside Cleveland Police and the support is vital as we continue to work to make the Borough a safer place to live and work for everyone.

“Unfortunately, some of our Enforcement team are subject to abuse and threats – and the message is clear that this will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

“This pledge helps to reassure officers that such incidents will be dealt with swiftly and the hard work and commitment of our police colleagues to action this is very much appreciated.”