Cleveland Police refers racism report complaints to IPCC

A North East force has referred itself to the police watchdog over concerns about a review into claims of institutional racism.

Cleveland Police said it had received criticism relating to its Equality Review, conducted in 2011 and 2012.

They involve two officers, a member of police staff and "matters which relate to the Chief Constable, Jacqui Cheer".

It is now up to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to decide whether to carry out an investigation.

Cleveland's Equality Review followed a report which included claims by black and ethnic minority officers that they had been overlooked for promotion and disciplined more harshly than white colleagues.

'Voluntarily referred'

The force's latest statement said: "Cleveland Police has received complaints in relation to various aspects of the management of the Equality Review which was carried out by the force in 2011 and 2012, and the subsequent media coverage.

"The force has taken a decision to refer the matters voluntarily to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

"The matters relate to two serving police officers and a member of police staff.

"In addition, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland has received complaints in relation to some of these matters which relate to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Jacqui Cheer.

"In line with procedure, these complaints have also been voluntarily referred to the IPCC."

Ms Cheer has previously denied the force is institutionally racist, but she said that it had "serious issues to address".