POLICE forces across the region have had a mixed review when it comes to the public's trust in their abilities.

And the use of stop and search by forces across the country was one area of concern for inspectors.

Police legitimacy is one of the all-force inspections carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) as part of their annual PEEL reports.

The inspections focussed on three main questions: how forces treat the people they serve with fairness and respect; how well they ensure that their workforces behave ethically and lawfully; and to what extent do they treat their workforce with fairness and respect.

Cleveland Police still requires improvement according to the inspectors' report but Chief Constable Iain Spittal says the force is making progress.

He said: "Cleveland Police continues on its journey, making improvements, examining past conduct and behaviours, and working with our communities to ensure that we act in a way which both supports them and makes them stronger."

North Yorkshire Police was rated good as part of the inspection.

Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, Julia Mulligan said: "There were a number of areas highlighted for improvement, many of which I have been raising with the Chief Constable for some time now, and I am keen to see improvements as soon as possible.

“The use of Stop and Search continues to raise questions, and I agree more needs to be done to improve how North Yorkshire Police engages with diverse people and communities via Independent Advisory Groups."

Chief Inspector Ian Butler, from Durham Constabulary said the force has invested a considerable amount of effort in ensuring that staff are fully trained and understand how and when they are able to correctly apply their powers regarding Stop and Search.

And Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC, welcomed the positive report.

She said: “I am pleased that this latest independent inspection reinforces that Northumbria are committed to treating the communities we serve with fairness and respect."