A POLICE and Crime Commissioner has hit back at a mayoral candidate who is calling for the abolition of his scandal-hit force.

Ben Houchen, who is fighting to be the Tees Valley Mayor as a Conservative candidate, says Cleveland Police has lost all credibility and he will set up an independent commission to bring about the end of the force.

However, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, maintains that the retention of Cleveland Police is in the best interests of the residents it serves and reminded the candidate that the force is outside the control of the mayoral role.

Last month, the Labour Party-backed Mr Coppinger announced a review of the forces professional standards department after it was heavily criticised following a series of failed employment tribunals and court hearings.

He said: We have invested heavily in a series of ongoing measures to tackle issues that have raised concern. This includes the commissioning of independent analysis of past mistakes and, where necessary, looking outside of police circles for future answers.

I recognise the seriousness of the mistakes that were made in the past but to scrap an entire police force because of the actions of a tiny number of officers makes no sense.

I am in regular contact with Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary who is supportive of the steps we have taken and whose recent reports recognise Cleveland as an improving force. To scrap the work already underway and start again would be foolish, a shameful waste of public money and betrayal of the rank and file officers who serve the badge of Cleveland Police with integrity and pride.

UKIPs Tees Valley mayoral candidate, John Tennant, said: While the sentiment of abolishing Cleveland Police is one I can support, particularly in light of a series of professional failings of the Force and the public lack of confidence, it does not fall under the powers of the Mayor of Tees Valley.

While John Tait, who is standing as the North Easy Party candidate, added: There needs to be a regional police force but I think it is damaging when a candidate for one office criticises another office when they clearly would have no control over the force if elected.

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Commissioner hits back at Mayoral candidate's call for abolition of ... - The Northern Echo (registration)