THE Covid pandemic has slowed a police force's attempts to improve the way it communicates with the public.

Cleveland Police was put into special measures following a damning inspection report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in 2019.

It was the first force in England or Wales to be rated as failing in all areas and a team of independent inspectors have been carrying out return visits to assess the rate of progress it is making.

The letter from the HMICFRS reads: "The force has improved the way it communicates with the public. It communicates more frequently and openly, and uses a variety of methods such as local media, blogs, online video-chat and newsletters.

"he force is more willing to listen to the public and wants to engage in dialogue to understand the needs of local communities. It is using different ways to encourage local communities to engage, but some have been more successful than others."

And its author concludes: "The force is making progress with this cause of concern. However, I acknowledge that any engagement with local communities, and scrutiny by people outside the force, have been affected by COVID-19 and the restrictions brought in regarding face-to-face contact.

"While we have continually monitored progress, this is the first time we have formally reviewed the force’s results.

"As a result of our review, all recommendations remain in progress and will be further reviewed as

part of our PEEL programme of inspection."

The latest report comes just weeks after the force's Chief Constable Richard Lewis announced he was leaving his role to return to his native Wales.

Responding to the report, Deputy Chief Constable Helen McMillan welcomed the latest report from the HMICFRS.

The Northern Echo: DCC Helen McMillanDCC Helen McMillan

She said: “We have a solid plan of change activity for the next four years, and areas of policing earmarked for development and innovation.

“The recent reinspection into public engagement and scrutiny highlights that there is progress in this area and recognises that our ability to fully engage with the public, particularly face-to-face, was hampered by Covid-19.

"Our virtual technology capability has improved over that time, including live web meetings with local residents and neighbourhood officers.”

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