A NORTH-East force has referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after concerns were raised about a report which uncovered institutional racism.

Two years ago The Northern Echo revealed that a confidential report had raised concerns that black and ethnic minority officers felt they were being overlooked for promotion and they had suffered harsher discipline than white officers.

The initial findings came days after former Cleveland traffic officer Sultan Alam was awarded £800,000 compensation by the force after being wrongfully jailed over a malicious prosecution brought by colleagues in 1996.

A joint statement issued by Cleveland Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland: said: “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 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.”

An IPCC spokesman confirmed that a report had been submitted by the force but was not in a position to comment any further until any investigation was carried out.