A string of scandals has plagued the Cleveland force, which covers Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough.
Cleveland Police has become the first UK force to be assessed as"failing" in all areas by inspectors.
The findings mean the force has effectively been plunged into special measures, with the chief constable Richard Lewis and police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger to be called before a national board.A string of scandals has plagued the force, which covers Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough in the northeast of England.
"The force doesn't appropriately prioritise crime prevention," he said."There is a lack of strategic direction, and the force doesn't allocate enough resources to prevention work. He added that the"inappropriate behaviour of senior leaders within Cleveland Police is so profound that it is affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of the force".
"However, I know this is never the full picture of an organisation and, through my own observations, speaking to people in our communities, and local leaders, and with the insight given by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, I am well aware that we are not at the level we need to be."
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