Britain’s first failing police force may not be the last

Analysis: Rise of ‘neighbourhood patrols’ shows loss of public trust in policing, says Lizzie Dearden

Residents have started patrolling parts of Foggy Furze, in Hartlepool, because ‘the police don’t come out’ (Google)

Cleveland Police has won the unenviable title of the first police force to be rated inadequate in all areas, but it may not be the last.

The force is in the police equivalent of “special measures”, following a damning report detailing failings to prevent crime, protect the public, catch criminals or fight internal corruption.

The findings of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) will not be news to the residents of Hartlepool, who started their own “neighbourhood patrols” last year.