AN investigation into the suspension of the director of finance for the North East's most controversial police force has been criticised by its authority members.

The handling of the disciplinary action against the suspended Stephen Preval was questioned at a special authority meeting last week.

It was convened to deliberate the Audit Commission's report into Cleveland Police's financial mismanagement but went into closed session to discuss the issues surrounding the suspension of Mr Preval.

He was removed from his post by Deputy Chief Constable Ron Hogg, pending the investigation, when the £7.3 million budgetary black-hole was discovered earlier this year.

The minutes of the confidential agenda item make it clear members feel that Mr Preval's case is not being handled properly or independently. They read: "Because the authority has been made aware of the possibility that the employment/disciplinary position of Mr Preval is not being dealt with correctly, they should take action in that regard - and especially because Mr Preval is contractually the authority's employee.

"They should require a report from the Chief Constable on that matter, and ensure that it is being dealt with properly and independently."

Cleveland's Chief Constable Sean Price is handling the investigation surrounding Mr Preval's ongoing suspension.

He said: "What has been requested from me by the authority was the result of their deliberations and I am happy to assist in any way I can in relation to this matter."

The Audit Commission's hard hitting report, which was extensively covered in the Northern Echo, concluded the warning signs for the deficit were originally raised in 1999 when the authority's director of finance Mr Preval, gave a presentation to members of the police authority, warning them that 2004/05 would be a difficult year, saying there would be "inadequate resources to stand still".

But it was only when a new chief executive was appointed in May last year, along with the appointment of new Chief Constable Mr Price and a new Deputy Chief Constable, that the financial woes were finally recognised.

The Police authority did not wish to comment until the report had been brought before members at a meeting on Thursday May 27 at the force headquarters.