Top officer moves to Cleveland

Top officer moves to Cleveland

Ron Hogg has praised his new colleagues at Cleveland Police

A top police officer in the north-east of England has been appointed to a new role with the force on Teesside.

Ron Hogg, who was involved in dealing with England football fans at the World Cup in 2002 and during qualifiers for the tournament, is new deputy chief constable of Cleveland Police.

Before the move, he was assistant chief constable with the Durham force and was responsible for operational matters, including the security of the Prime Minister's Sedgefield constituency.

He said he was looking forward to being part of the Cleveland force, despite recent controversies like Operation Lancet.

The Lancet investigation started on Teesside in 1997 over allegations that drugs were being traded for confessions and that prisoners were being assaulted.

Time to move on

Mr. Hogg said: "I've worked with Cleveland officers for the last ten years on and off and I've always been impressed with the quality of support we've received.

"In the past... we've not necessarily noted the good work of Cleveland Police.

"It is time to draw a line in the sand. We can move on from here and use our staff to the maximum potential. "

Mr Hogg spearheaded England's fight against hooliganism in Japan and South Korea during the 2002 World Cup.

As the head of the UK's specialist intelligence unit, he was responsible for policing England fans abroad.