Call to end police corruption probe

The inquiry is centred around Middlesbrough Police station

The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is being urged to conclude the inquiry into corruption among officers in Cleveland.

The former President of the Police Superintendents' Association, Brian Mackenzie, believes Operation Lancet has lost its way and should be wrapped up as soon as possible.

The inquiry began after a case collapsed at Teesside Crown Court last October when a defendant claimed that officers tried to bribe him with drugs.

Brian Mackenzie believes the inquiry has become unwieldy

So far, eight detectives have been suspended and the Police Complaints Authority says it has identified 200 alleged offences within the force, including what it describes as ritualistic ill-treatment of prisoners.

Tony Williams of the PCA said: "In the many many cases that we read of in this case, we are seeing it being almost ritualistic to treat people roughly, and sometimes to beat them. That's on a worrying scale, certainly."

One young couple, who have refused to be identified, have told the inquiry that officers tried to bribe them into becoming informers. They say detectives promised that they would help remove stolen goods if the couple were threatened with police raid.

They refused to become informers and say they were raided as a result.

One of them told the BBC: "They just booted both the doors down front and back ... they hit us both and they left the house in a right state.

"We can't use the back door at all ... and the front door has just beeen sealed up after four months."

Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon is the most high profile officer to be caught up in the inquiry

One of the officers caught up in the inquiry has been Cleveland's most high-profile policeman, Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon.

He gained national prominence in 1996, advancing the theory of zero tolerance policing, and was rewarded when Cleveland's crime figures fell.

But in December 1997 he was suspended, accused of leaking police information and conduct that might be construed as criminal. He denies the charges.

Mr Mackenzie believes the inquiry is becoming too unwieldy.

"What shouldn't be happening, is that people like Ray Mallon, who are caught up in the original inquiry should be left hanging out to dry while the last minor inquiry is finalised," he said.

Chief Constable Shaw is concerned

But the Chief Constable of Cleveland Barry Shaw believes that the inquiry should be allowed to run its course because of the seriousness of the allegations.

"I have serious concerns about the conduct of a small number of officers. I will review at a later date the implications of the conduct of other officers when the inquiry is actually finished," said Chief Constable Shaw.

Viewers in the North East and Cumbria can see more on this story in Close Up North on Sunday, May 17 at 21.50 BST on BBC 2.