After seven years in which he has played a central role in dramatic improvements in local policing, Joe McCarthy, Chief Executive with Cleveland Police Authority, has announced that he is leaving.
Today both the Authority Chair Councillor Dave McLuckie, and Chief Constable Sean Price paid tribute to the contribution made by Mr McCarthy in helping to put the Force and Authority at the forefront of reducing crime, improving efficiency, boosting public confidence—and pioneering partnership working.
Forty-three-old Mr McCarthy joined the Authority after working as Head of Strategic Partnering with Middlesbrough Council and bid director for Amey Plc. He says that he has found the job tremendously rewarding but believes it is now right to look for new challenges.
He explains “I think it is fair to say that when I joined Cleveland Police Authority both it and the Force had been through some very difficult times—and indeed we faced some serious financial and organisational challenges in my early years.
“I do take pride in the fact that I leave a much stronger and effective organisation, demonstrated by the fact that we have led the way in developing new approaches which have enabled us to concentrate our resources on front-line policing at the same time as providing some of the best facilities in the country—and ensuring that we now have a firm financial base.”
Added Authority Chair Councillor Dave McLuckie “If you look at the Force and Authority now compared to seven years ago you would see a huge—and positive—transformation and Joe McCarthy has made an enormous contribution to making that happen.
“There are undoubtedly some very major challenges ahead, but I believe we are now well-placed to meet them and deliver continuing improvements in our services to our local communities—and that is due on no small way to Joe’s efforts. I am sure I speak on behalf of the entire Authority when I thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said: “Joe McCarthy has played a significant role in the transformation of this Force over the last seven years and I have enjoyed working with him during this time. Today Cleveland Police is one of the strongest performing Forces in the country and rates among the top ten Forces for public confidence. I would like to take the opportunity to wish Joe all the very best for the future.”
When Mr McCarthy leaves at the end of next month his current Deputy, Julie Leng, will become Acting Chief Executive.