CLEVELAND'S Chief Constable has expressed his disappointment at the damning assessment the force received from Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabularies (HMIC).

Sean Price told police authority members that he is determined to put matters right.

Speaking at an authority meeting yesterday, he said it was important to reassure people that there was a conviction to deliver the policing service Cleveland wants.

Mr Price said: "We have and we will continue to improve across all the areas where we graded as 'poor'.

"There will be a special emphasis within this in dealing with call handling, volume crime and anti-social behaviour."

He pinpointed the success of Operation Sabre, which dealt with drugs, and the improvement in call handling figures as signs the force was turning the corner.

"The report highlights some of the very good work that is going on, in particular the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and our handling of the most serious of crimes and major chemical incidents.

"There is still a way to go and I will not allow complacency to creep in, but I firmly believe we have turned the corner in our determination to provide a first class service for the people of Cleveland."

Retiring police authority chairman Councillor Ken Walker said the HMIC did not expect forces to aim for top level performance in all areas but said he is confident there will be major improvements in the months ahead.

Mr Walker said: "I was bitterly disappointed we were not able to bring in the extra officers we had hoped.

"I want to see more police out and about in our communities, which is all part of the Putting People First campaign. I know my colleagues on the police authority will offer their support in the future to help meet the needs in tackling crime."