A NORTH-EAST police force criticised in an independent report has come out fighting, calling it outdated, bemusing and suggesting it had diverted resources from frontline policing.

Cleveland Police is panned as “requiring improvement” in a report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) published today (Tuesday, October 20).

There was better news for the region’s other forces, with Durham Police rated the best in the country, prompting Chief Constable Mike Barton to claim it was the best on the planet, and North Yorkshire and Northumbria ranked as “good”.

But in their new Ofsted-style Peel (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) Report, inspectors say Cleveland needs to change to meet demand for its services, faces a deficit beyond 2016 and there is “limited evidence” it knows how well it is achieving value money.

However, Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer said there were a “large number of factual inaccuracies” in the report and she was “somewhat bemused” at its timing, as HMIC concluded the force was well placed to face future financial challenges as recently as May – two months after the three-day Peel inspection.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Barry Coppinger said he did not agree with HMIC’s findings and its report was “outdated” and based on a “fleeting visit”. “The force has to spend a lot of time and resources to prepare for inspectors to turn up, which is resources that would be best spent policing our streets,” he added.

“When they arrive they ask some pre-prepared questions over three days in March and then send a report through seven months later in October. We have had two Budgets and a General Election since then.”

Her Majesty's Inspector Mike Cunningham rejected the criticisms, saying: "HMIC's inspection team in Cleveland comprised nine inspectors; the findings were thoroughly analysed and then assessed against the judgements made in relation to similar forces, to ensure consistency and fairness.

"The grade given to Cleveland Police is not a comment on the commitment and professionalism of its frontline officers and staff. We look forward to seeing and reporting on improvements in policing in Cleveland.”

Meanwhile, Durham Police achieved the top “outstanding” rating in all three areas assessed – adding to its two outstanding and one good scores from the last round. All forces will be ranked on the final three areas, around legitimacy, in the next few months.

HMIC praised Durham for giving all officers body cameras, working well with neighbouring forces and sharing buildings with other emergency services. Inspectors also praised the Checkpoint scheme, under which low-level offenders can avoid prosecution if they stick to a behaviour contract.

Mr Barton said: “I’m delighted. This is a big pat on the back for all those people who work unsung, long hours. This is their moment in the sun and they deserve the praise.

“British policing is the best on the planet and we’re officially the best force in the country. Ipso facto, we’re the best on the planet. But we’re not complacent.”

North Yorkshire was found to be good at using its resources to meet demand and to have shown good financial planning for the short and long term, but require improvement to ensure its workforce is sustainable and affordable.

Assistant Chief Constable Ken McIntosh said: “We are very proud to be the safest and lowest crime area in England and will continue to work hard to maintain this position through careful financial and operational planning.”

Northumbria was rated good across all three areas.

However, many chief constables and PCCs used the opportunity to raise concerns over police funding. Rural forces are expected to lose out under a review of how money is allocated and there could be further cuts across the board in December’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

Mr Barton warned a “dangerous experiment” was under way. “Nobody knows just how far we can cut policing before villains decide they can cut loose. These are significant cuts. I’m nervous about that,” he said.

Durham PCC Ron Hogg said ongoing cuts were a “real threat” and North Yorkshire’s Julia Mulligan said the Government had “moved the goalposts” and her force would “lose out significantly”.

Northumbria’s Vera Baird said: “The Government must see sense and sensibly moderate these cuts. I appeal to the Government to properly fund Northumbria Police for the great work they do.”

Previously, Policing Minister Mike Penning said reform was working and the new formula would ensure funding was fair and transparent.

Across England and Wales, HMIC rated five forces as outstanding, 29 as good, eight as requiring improvement and one, Humberside, as inadequate.

*Page 14 - Mike Barton explains why Durham Police is 'Simply the Best'