Investigation into criminal allegation against Cleveland PCC discontinued

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has today (May 23) written to the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel to inform them our investigation into the Police and Crime Commissioner, Steve Turner, following a serious criminal allegation against him has been discontinued.

In November 2021, we received a mandatory conduct referral from the Panel relating to an allegation of a serious non-recent sexual offence, made through a third party.

After assessing the information in the referral, we determined the evidence met the threshold for an investigation to be necessary, namely that there was an indication a criminal offence may have been committed. Avon and Somerset Police have conducted a managed investigation under our direction and control.

The investigating officer has now followed up all available lines of inquiry. This has led to our decision to discontinue the investigation.

Mr Turner was not arrested and there was no requirement for him to be interviewed.

IOPC Director of Major Investigations Steve Noonan said:

“We are satisfied all reasonable efforts to progress this investigation have been made and that no further lines of inquiry remain open at this time.

“Any serious allegation of this nature requires careful investigation, and it was important that there was independent oversight in this case.

“I would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for their professionalism throughout this inquiry.”