Cleveland Police will host the eighth National Independent Advisory Group (IAG) Conference later this year and representatives from Hartlepool Police will be attending the debate which will focus on meeting the needs of changing communities.

The IAG plays a key role in ensuring that forces throughout the UK are independently scrutinised over their decision making and operations.

Their role is to ensure that police relations with their communities are always improving and that their needs are fully understood by the police.

The IAG regularly meets with senior leaders in Cleveland Police and provides a direct link to community and diversity groups within the force area.

To help extend the scope of this initiative further IAGs have been established within each of the four policing districts; Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough and Stockton.

The National IAG conference will take place at the Thistle Hotel, in Middlesbrough, on November 24 and 25.

The members of the IAG are encouraged to act as independent advocates between the police and victims or families of victims.

The IAG provides a valuable link where there may be mistrust or misunderstanding of police actions or procedures.

Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Derek Bonnard, said: "I'm delighted that Cleveland is hosting the eighth National IAG Conference.

"Our Independent Advisors are particularly valuable in helping link the police to diverse groups in the community, both during a major incident as well as the regular contact through citizen-focused Neighbourhood Policing.

"The conference itself will provide a forum to share good practice and experiences, as well as explore the challenges of meeting the needs of our changing communities."