Cleveland chief constable Sean Price ordered the inquiry

Cleveland Police could not contain the rise in drug-related crime, at a time when it was diverted by a long-running corruption inquiry, says a government inspector.

The report, by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, Ken Williams, also slated the force for an "unacceptable" method of handling 999 calls, which meant officers often arriving late.

Chief Constable Sean Price said he is confident measures put in place since his appointment earlier this year will see the force improve.

Mr Williams says in his report: "Illegal drugs have become cheap and plentiful on the streets of Cleveland, with the drug culture fuelling crime and resulting in high levels of recorded crime.

"The stark reality being that the force could not contain this situation. It was being swamped as the demands and pressures being placed upon it continued to rise.

The inability to successfully manage calls resulted in officers regularly attending scenes of crimes and requests for help from the public, late Government inspector Ken Williams

"High profile initiatives to control crime, such as "zero tolerance", were tried, but fell into disrepute and were rejected.

"For the past six years, the force has also had to deal with Operation Lancet, a very high profile investigation into alleged corrupt practice within the CID at Middlesbrough.

"Though none of the staff investigated faced criminal prosecution for corruption, the fallout from the inquiry has cast a long shadow across Cleveland Police."

He said Cleveland Police had struggled to manage the demands being placed upon it by the communities in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar, and Cleveland.

'Unacceptable' situation

Mr Williams said the force's handling of emergency calls had deteriorated over time.

"The inability of the force to successfully manage these calls has resulted in police officers regularly attending scenes of crimes and requests for help from members of the public, late.

"Put simply, a situation that is not acceptable."

The report followed an inspection of the force in June - three months after the appointment of Mr Price.

We are determined there will be no let up in the fight against crime Chief Constable Sean Price

The Chief Constable said he was determined to move the force forward.

He said: "It is accepted that drugs is the evil behind most of the crime in our area and our fight against that and the people behind it, particularly those at the top, has intensified."

He added: "Actions have been taken to ensure that people, professionalism, problem solving and partnership working will add to our armoury in the fight against crime and the drive to give the people of Teesside a better quality of life.

"I expect my senior officers to lead by example. We are determined to provide the best possible service for our communities.

"We are determined there will be no let up in the fight against crime, particularly the drug dealers, car thieves, house burglars and those inclined to violence.

"Let there be no doubt Cleveland Police will be a force to be reckoned with. The people of Cleveland expect that - and I am determined to deliver it."