A FINANCIAL turnaround in the fortunes for Cleveland Police has allowed it to inject £1m into tackling violent crime.

The force, which has recovered from a £7m budget deficit, intends to invest the money in frontline policing.

A number of special operations to tackle violent crime and anti-social behaviour will now be carried out with the newly-released funds.

Cleveland Police Authority chairman Councillor Dave McLuckie said the extra cash was the product of "tightening the force's purse strings" in the wake of last year's damning Audit Commission report.

He said: "We have got much greater financial control over the way we spend money now. The vast majority of these controls were not there and we have taken notice of the report and stopped our 'unbridled growth'.

"We have completely different procedures in place and that means we are able to keep a check on unnecessary spending. There has been a clampdown on overtime, with only essential overtime getting approval."

He added: "Our financial position has hugely improved from the position not so long ago when we had to tackle the potential multi-million pound black hole.

"So much so that we have a considerable surplus on our budget. We decided that a top priority was to use some of the money to provide an immediate shot in the arm to those areas of crime causing most concern, including drink-related violence and anti-social behaviour.

"I believe £1m can make a significant difference and sends a strong message to officers, staff and the public about our commitment to supporting local communities."

The cash will pay for the launch of Operation Nightsafe in Middlesbrough and Langbaurgh is aimed at tackling alcohol misuse through a partnership with the health and fire service, as well as local authorities and trading standards.

Operation Tranquility will be introduced to combat anti-social behaviour in and around the Stockton area.

Extra licensing patrols in Hartlepool and Langbaurgh will be used to help target anti-social behaviour.

Chief Constable Sean Price said: "Cleveland Police has made significant progress over the past two years, both financially and operationally, and it is excellent news that the public can now reap the rewards in this way.

"I attend numerous public meetings every year and it is clear that two of the areas of most concern are anti-social behaviour and drink related violence.

"This investment sends out a clear message that ourselves and the authority regard such behaviour as unacceptable and we are determined to bring to justice anyone engaging in such activity.

"It is especially important that we have the resources to tackle this issue as we move towards the introduction of new licensing arrangements next month."