The Cleveland PCC said he “shares the concerns” of Kirklevington Detention Centre abuse victims who have spent decades waiting for justice.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said he recognised the “significant trauma and distress” experienced by survivors of the Yarm "torture camp".
Mr Storey, who took office in May 2024, promised to continue to “seek assurances that all possible progress is being made to secure justice for those affected”.
It comes as Cleveland Police’s investigation into the abuse at the site, which took place from the 1960s and 1990s, marks 12 years with not one person being dragged before the courts.
Victims say they feel “forgotten” as suspects die before facing justice - with one even branding the operation a "whitewash" this week.
Mr Storey said: “I understand and share the concerns of victim-survivors about the length of time taken to conclude Operation Magnolia.
“I recognise the significant trauma and distress they have experienced, and continue to experience, as the investigation continues.
“Since taking office in May 2024, I have been briefed regularly on this matter by chief officers from Cleveland Police, to seek reassurance about the status of the investigation.
“My role as Police and Crime Commissioner does not allow any interference in operational decision-making and nor would I seek to do so.
“Any police investigation remains independent from myself and is the responsibility of Cleveland Police.
“My priority is ensuring that victim-survivors are appropriately updated and that they receive the care they need from specialist support services.
“Through my quarterly briefings, I will continue to seek assurances that all possible progress is being made to secure justice for those affected.”
Victims have long been critical over police’s investigation into the abuse, with some saying they feel police are "waiting for suspects to die".
“Barbaric” Harrison - who died in 2019 - had been reported by 273 victims to police and was set to be charged with misconduct in a public office and numerous assaults days before his death.
The operation has been branded as a “non-existent” by survivors.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Chatterton, said: “Firstly, I want to recognise the profound trauma and distress that all survivors have experienced and acknowledge the courage it has taken to come forward.
“I understand that the length of time this investigation has taken is upsetting and frustrating, and we are deeply mindful of the impact this has had, and continues to have, on those affected.
“We remain fully committed to listening to victims and survivors, treating them with dignity and respect, and pursuing all reasonable lines of enquiry.
“This is a complex and non‑recent investigation involving 938 victims and survivors to date. At least 21 suspects have been interviewed as part of this work, and we continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
“Victim and survivor care and support remain at the heart of everything we do.
"We encourage anyone affected to continue engaging with their appointed support services, and we are committed to keeping victims and survivors informed as the investigation progresses.”
Read more:
Boys 'wet themselves in fear' at 'vicious' centre where abuse was 'part of regime'
Police spent £0 on overtime costs and expenses on Kirklevington abuse probe last year
Victims 'abused for entertainment' feel 'deflated' over no justice, solicitors say
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the friends and families of those affected.
“Child abuse is abhorrent and we commend the bravery of victims who come forward. It would be inappropriate to comment further while a police investigation is ongoing."
Anyone who suffered abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre can report this to Cleveland Police. Victims can also contact Oakwood Solicitors for advice on legal claims.
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