The 'capability review' organised by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary concluded last month and its findings were released today.

Both Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Police Authority were inspected by the team, brought in to see how the force could improve.

The report recommends new leadership for the authority itself, new leadership in the authority secretariat and the appointment of a 'cohesive' chief officer team for the force.

On leadership, the report states: "There is genuine passion and commitment among Authority members to provide a service to the public of Nottinghamshire.

"The chief constable's personal style is welcomed and there is impressive new leadership at Divisional Command level. However, leadership in both organisations is weak overall."

Reacting to the review, chief constable Julia Hodson pointed to aspects of the report recognising progress the force has made on tackling crime.

She said: "The latest survey in Nottinghamshire shows an impressive level of public confidence in how the force and local authorities are tackling local crimes and anti-social behaviour.

"However, the capability review concludes that the rate of progress we are making in Nottinghamshire is insufficient and falls short of the performance being achieved by most similar police forces elsewhere in the country.

"I whole-heartedly accept its findings and recognise I have a duty to the people of Nottinghamshire to deliver a significant and lasting improvement in performance."

The Authority reacted by pledging to "develop and implement a programme to strengthen leadership in the Authority and improve the way it works."