AN MP is challenging police chiefs to get out into the community to discover people's crime fears.

At the latest public meeting organised by Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar and suspended Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon, Dr Kumar highlighted a lack of understanding of residents' concerns.

He called for Cleveland Police's Chief Constable, Barry Shaw, and chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority, councillor Ken Walker, to meet people face to face.

He said: "I believe the Chief Constable should be prepared to be seen once a month on operational duty."

He also believed that Coun Walker should hold surgeries in each of the four boroughs covered by Cleveland Police.

Responding after the meeting, Coun Walker invited Dr Kumar to approach him directly with any suggestions for improving communications.