A troubled police force, once branded one of the worst in the country, is continuing to make progress but needs to work harder on delivering improved neighbourhood policing.

Inspectors have praised the efforts Cleveland Police have made since they were put in special measures in 2019 but have pinpointed some key areas that still need significant improvement.

Two years ago, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carried out a further inspection and found the force has made 'notable improvements'.

And inspectors have acknowledged that the depth of the force’s problems would require significant time to bring it up to the standard required.

Read next: Why North Yorkshire Police force has been branded 'inadequate' by inspectors

Chief Constable Mark Webster welcomed the improvement but acknowledged that work was still required.

The Northern Echo: Chief Constable Mark WebsterChief Constable Mark Webster (Image: Agency)

Andy Cooke, the HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said: “The force is undergoing significant change and restructuring as part of the chief constable’s long-term plans. He is aware of the inefficiencies in the organisational management, which have contributed to the workforce being unable to meet demand.

“The force’s clear direction and long-term plan will take time to develop and bring about the changes needed, but I have already noticed some improvements.”

However, one key area where the force needs considerably more work is how it effectively reduces crime and delivering much-needed neighbourhood policing.

In March 2019, the force’s then-interim Chief Constable Lee Freeman took officers off the beat and put them into response teams instead.

Less than a year later the teams were reinstated by his replacement Richard Lewis but inspectors found that officers concerned with community policing were being used to boost response teams at the expense of their neighbourhood role.

The inspectors found that neighbourhood officers and staff are taken away from their core roles to support response policing colleagues on a daily basis, this includes occasions where PCSOs are dispatched to incidents as first responders.

This is outside the normal expectation of their role. As a result, neighbourhood staff spend a fraction of their time on problem-solving, community engagement and targeted activity.

Mr Cooke added: “I am pleased with how Cleveland Police has improved since the arrival of the current chief constable, who has brought greater stability. However, I still have some concern about its performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

“The force has significantly improved its crime recording and made good progress in improving how it records the use of force and its understanding of how it uses stop and search.”

The force continues to be rated ‘inadequate’ in preventing crime and good use of resources but is making strides when it comes to recording crime, which it has been rated as ‘good’.

Three areas still ‘require improvement’ – investigating crime; protecting vulnerable people; and developing a positive work place.

However, they now have four sections rated at ‘adequate’ – treatment of the public; responding to the public; disrupting serious crime; and managing offenders.

Mr Webster said: “I am pleased Cleveland Police has been recognised for the significant improvements we have achieved, and that we no longer have the label of the worst performing force. We have more to do to address all the issues the force faces, but improvements are being made to the service we provide to the public every day right across the force.

“Every single person in Cleveland who needs police support should receive the best possible service and have a police service that protects them, their families and their communities. I know we are not there yet, but I am wholeheartedly committed to achieving this aim.”

Read more:

​Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Steve Turner praised the efforts of his Chief Constable and the improvements he has overseen since his appointment.

The Northern Echo: PCC Steve TurnerPCC Steve Turner (Image: Cleveland PCC)

He said: “Considering the scale of the challenge facing the force following the 2019 inspection, I’m delighted that improvements have been made in almost all areas and that many of HMICFRS’ previous causes of concern have been addressed.

“Officers, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly for the best part of three years to turn the force’s trajectory around. It’s extremely important that their efforts are recognised by this independent inspection.