Cleveland Police has referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) following the force’s own review into claims of institutional racism.
Last month the force denied being “institutionally racist” but accepted it had "some serious issues to address" after claims that an internal report revealed allegations of officers being called racist names by their colleagues.
The force also denied that black and minority ethnic officers were undermined intentionally, saying that there was “no evidence to support this.”
Now a statement from the force and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland has been released in which the force confirms that it has referred the matter to the IPCC.
“Cleveland Police has received complaints in relation to various aspects of the management of the Equality Review which was carried out by the Force in 2011 and 2012, and the subsequent media coverage," the statement says.
“The force has taken a decision to refer the matters voluntarily to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
“The matters relate to two serving police officers and a member of police staff.
“In addition, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland has received complaints in relation to some of these matters which relate to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Jacqui Cheer.
“In line with procedure, these complaints have also been voluntarily referred to the IPCC.”
Earlier this year, Jacqui Cheer said that in 2011, the Cleveland Black Police Association presented her with a report that covered 17 areas of concern, which had been raised by its members.
She said: “This report also indicated 70% of the Force’s black and minority ethnic officers and staff had experienced issues that they believed related either directly or indirectly to their ethnicity.”
A review team was set up as a result of the report and interviews were held with members of staff.
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