A SPECIALIST police training unit, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been established in the North-East.

The Cleveland Police Training School aims to ensure probationary officers have the knowledge to deal with any incident when they start going out on the beat.

In the past, PCs have started their careers by shadowing senior constables to learn the ropes.

The unit will see new recruits dealing with real incidents under the watchful eyes of their tutors.

Inspector Dave Smith, head of the unit, said the centre will also give tutors more time to explain procedures.

He said: "We can identify the jobs we want to take on and that can cover everything from simple shoplifting to serious assault, arson and fatal accidents. We go out, take over the jobs and deal with them from start to finish.

"Once the work has been completed, there is a full debrief in detail to ensure everything is explained in full to the young officer.

"We deal with them directly for ten weeks, by which time they will be able to go on independent patrol.

"This is a new step forward, not just for Cleveland Police but police nationwide and it embodies everything our force is trying to achieve -professionalism, problem-solving, partnership working and putting people first.

"It is a process of development which will lead to a more effective and efficient force, and that can only bode well for the communities on Teesside."

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary now recommends specialist tutor units are set up, and Cleveland is the first force to do so.

It will consist of four sergeants and 28 tutor constables. Half will be in Stockton and half in Middlesbrough