CLEVELAND Police Authority has launched a campaign to inform people of their rights when they are stopped by police.

The Stop and Search Know Your Rights leaflet was prepared by the Association of Police Authorities and is being distributed throughout the area. Cleveland Police Authority chairman Councillor Dave McLuckie said officers should be able to stop and, if necessary, search people when trying to detect crime, but added that it was vital the procedure was carried out according to the rules.

"In Cleveland we do make considerable use of stop-and- search operations because we regard them as a useful tool in tackling problems of crime and disorder," he said.

Since April, officers have been obliged to complete forms saying why someone was stopped and give the person a copy.

Coun McLuckie said the authority welcomed the measure as a way of reassuring people that officers were acting properly.

A Home Office team also found that the Cleveland Police Authority used its powers fairly and effectively, with no indication of racial discrimination.

The leaflets are available in a number of languages and formats from Cleveland Police Authority by calling (01642) 301635.