A HOTLINE set up by a police force for officers to report corrupt colleagues has received only five calls in the past year.

The confidential phone line, enabling County Durham officers or police staff to raise concerns about unethical or dishonest behaviour, was launched in August last year.

Before the service began, staff previously had to raise their concerns in person to senior executives.

A PO Box address has since been put in place for staff wanting to highlight any matter they are unhappy about in writing.

A police spokesman said it was hoped the low number of calls suggested that the level of concern about such issues within the force was not excessively high.

The force set up a professional standards and legal services department last year to replace its complaints and discipline section.

As well as dealing with internal complaints, it also handles complaints from members of the public against officers.