'˜Serious concerns' over Cleveland Police's protection of vulnerable people

The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has today published an overall assessment of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy with which Cleveland Police keeps people safe and reduces crime, rating it as requiring improvement.

Watchdog inspector Mike Cunningham said: “I have some serious concerns about the performance of Cleveland Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime, and how prepared it is to meet future financial challenges.

“I am particularly concerned by the force’s approach to protecting some of the most vulnerable people. HMIC found inconsistencies in the identification of vulnerable victims at the first point of contact with the police.

“However, I am encouraged to see the improved quality of the force’s crime investigations.”

Cleveland Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Simon Nickless, said: “We are naturally disappointed by the gradings but we will continue to improve through the work we have already started.

“HMIC has seen an ethical culture at Cleveland Police and has praised the standards of our investigations and how we respond to serious and organised crime.

“I do not take the comments or the concerns raised by Mike Cunningham lightly, we are in dialogue with him as to the approach we are taking. HMIC recognises that we have delivered good work in areas but we need to improve and we will work with them in order to do so.

“I remain extremely proud of the dedication of our officers and staff who are passionate in keeping our communities safe.”