Sir, – What a sad and sorry saga is the recent history of Cleveland police force, mired in so many mis-conduct allegations against the most senior officers.

The allegations of wrong doing, poor leadership, bad management, racial prejudice etc, the list seems endless. A core of bad practice, evasion of the principles of honesty in public office and downright dishonesty seemingly running right through the force from the very top, starting in the office of the chief constables, their deputies and senior police officers. North Yorkshire police and other forces elsewhere have in recent years also been badly let down by their most senior officers. Dishonesty and corruption is unacceptable anywhere, but when it seeps into public institutions, it is not only reprehensible it is an odious threat and never more so than when it is found within government and those whose duty is to uphold the law and administer justice.

I hoped that the appointment of Commissioners of Police would, if nothing else, ensure a better standard of policing......apparently not!

N SMITH

Northallerton.