A POLICE force has launched a consultation on its new approach to equality, diversity and human rights.

Everyone Matters – is the message from Cleveland Police as it looks to members of the public, police officers and staff to give their views on a strategy for the next four years.

The strategy highlights areas such as hate crime, stop and search, mental health, and victim and witness support. It also looks at ways to build equality into organisational processes and how people working for the force can develop their expertise.

Chief Constable Iain Spittal said: “Everyone Matters is our most comprehensive discussion on equality, diversity and human rights to date. This work cuts across everything we do – whether it be when we answer a call from a distressed victim, when preventing and detecting crime in communities, or through recruiting and retaining our staff – equality and diversity is important and we must get it right.

“We want this strategy to reflect the views of members or the public, and our staff, so that it becomes a living and breathing piece of work. I would urge people to provide their views to assist us in moving forward.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added: “Cleveland is a diverse area to live, work and visit and the services that we deliver need to reflect the difference within our communities.

“I’ve highlighted the importance of Everyone Matters in my Police and Crime Plan and the work that we have already begun with Equality North East on making initial improvements.”

People have until September 30 to take part at www.cleveland.police.uk