Derby police fail again

Derbyshire's police force is set to be refused a Certificate of Efficiency for a third time, its chief constable said today.

John Newing, whose force remains the only one to be declared inefficient, said the refusal would damage the public's confidence in his officers.

The decision by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, Geoffrey Dear, is due to be announced next month.

Mr Newing said he had already been told the certificate would be refused because of continuing finance problems with the force.

A gap in funding of around £10m is predicted.