HIGH level talks are to be held to discuss the escalating costs of a long running police anti corruption investigation which is yet to result in a single officer being charged with a criminal offence.
Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland yesterday claimed the costs of the investigation - Operation Lancet - were out of control.
Home Office Minister Charles Clarke has agreed to meet a delegation from the Cleveland Police Authority to discuss the cost of Lancet, predicted to be £3.75m by next March - bills which are being picked up by taxpayers.
Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of the police authority, said: "We believe we have a strong case to put to the minister for additional help to meet the costs of Lancet."
Dr Kumar suspects the true cost of Lancet could be £7m.
Coun Walker, vice chairman Coun Russell Hart and Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw will ask Mr Clarke to designate Cleveland Police a metropolitan force.
Coun Walker said: "It is good news the minister has agreed to meet us to discuss concerns over both our general funding situation and the specific issue of the costs of investigations such as Lancet.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article