Police officers are being issued handbooks to help them understand the cultures, religions and customs of Teesside's diverse communities.
The 70-page booklet has been designed to give police and police community support officers (PCSOs) a better understanding of the needs and expectations of residents.
It relates to everyone from asylum seekers and ethnic minorities to travellers, gipsies, it deals with gay and lesbian issues and people with disabilities.
Inspector Eric Robinson, community safety officer, said: "There has been a great deal of consultation involved in its production. This is partnership working at its best.
"It is an excellent example of community members from different backgrounds working closely with the police and the force diversity team to improve the way we deliver our service."
Middlesbrough Council's diversity officer Tee Liburd and Saliah Hameed, responsible for corporate diversity with the authority, were also involved in the work.
"This handbook can only benefit officers by improving their knowledge and awareness," said Tee.
Saliah, vice-chairperson of the independent advisory group, said: "It shows that Cleveland Police want to improve relations with their diverse communities. It is an excellent initiative."
The community handbook is just one of a number of initiatives the force is using to build trust and promote community relations.
They include the community volunteer initiative, where community members are involved in the training of police officers on cultural issues.
A Buddy Scheme has also been set up to encourage members of the black and ethnic minority communities to join the police by offering advice and guidance from serving minority ethnic officers.
Insp Robinson said: "The force works very closely with all the communities they serve.
"However, by improving officers' knowledge of social customs and cultural issues - in particular those of the hard-to-reach vulnerable groups - we will be able to provide an improved service."
