A POLICE authority boss is sending letters of support to members of his crisis-racked force.

Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority, urges the 1,500 officers and support staff of Cleveland Police not to lose heart in the face of the long-running Operation Lancet inquiry into allegations of police corruption, the publicity and criticism surrounding it.

In a letter which opens with the words "Dear Colleague" Coun Walker says: "Of late, life has not been easy for anyone involved with the force.

"I felt it important to let you know that all of us on the Police Authority recognise those pressures and appreciate the determination of so many officers and staff to get on with the job of providing the best possible service to the local community.

"With so much media interest over Lancet, it is, I believe, important for all of us to keep our eye on what really matters - the defence of the integrity of the policing service and its accountability to the people it serves.

"Investigating allegations of misconduct of whatever kind is never comfortable, but sweeping things under the carpet can never be the right answer - however much of a short-term attraction it might have.

"I urge you all to maintain your commitment to the service and not to be diverted from that task by those who seek to derail the investigation and issue prophecies of doom.

"I recognise, as does every other member of the police authority, that you and your colleagues are in the front line and have to deal on a day-to-day basis with the pressures created by an investigation of this kind. I thank you for all your patience and loyalty, and hope that you will continue to support the defence of the highest standards of conduct and integrity because it is right for the force, the authority and the people we serve."

Coun Walker also reiterates Home Office Minister Charles Clarke's reassurance made some months ago that there is no intention to disband the force or merge it with a neighbour.

Cleveland Police declined to comment on the letter, however Chief Constable Barry Shaw has responded to an open letter from The Northern Echo asking him to answer questions relating to the inquiry.

You can read his reply on page 8