Figures released by the Fawcett Society today show that Cleveland came top in the country for rape convictions in 2007.
Nearly one in five reported rapes (or 18.1%) led to a conviction.
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said: "Obviously we are pleased that we have come top in the country but we recognise that we still have a long way to go.
"We have been working very closely in recent years with partners such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Primary Care Trusts and voluntary sector support agencies to improve our response to victims of rape.
"The opening of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in 2007 has been a big step forward in improving victim care, which provides a private and appropriate environment for police to speak to the victim and has bespoke medical facilities.
"Cleveland Police take all allegations of rape seriously. Every allegation is treated as a serious crime enquiry and is investigated thoroughly."
Head of Crime for Cleveland Police Mark Braithwaite said: "We are pleased with the figures and we have put in place a variety of measures over recent years to better support victims of rape, and I think that has had a positive impact on the number of convictions.
"Within the Force we have given a number of officers specialist training to deal with victims of rape and these officers are always deployed whenever an allegation of rape is received.
"In the course of any investigation we liaise closely with the CPS to ensure that we always seek to ensure that prosecutions are pursued wherever possible.
"Within the Cleveland Police area victims will also receive support through the criminal justice process from an independent sexual violence advisor. These advisors are employed by voluntary sector support agencies and they are trained to provide a high level of support to rape victims and ensure that victims are engaged in the investigation and prosecution process and are fully aware of criminal justice procedures.
"We recognise that there is still some way to go, but by working closely with our key partners we strive to improve all aspects of rape investigation to ensure that victims receive the best possible service."
Cleveland Police Authority Chair, Councillor Dave McLuckie, welcomed the report which he said underlined the determination of the Authority, the Force and its partners in the criminal justice and health services...and voluntary organisations... to do everything to support victims of sexual assault and bring offenders to justice.
He explained "Dealing with rape and other sexual assault crimes is one of the most challenging areas of police work and what there figures show is that in Cleveland we are making progress -- and we are committed to doling even better.
"We are proud of the fact that in our Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Helen Britton House we have one of the best facilities of its kind in the country -- far better than the previous arrangements where rape victims were dealt with in police stations."
Added Authority member Pam Andrews-Mawer who played a leading role in establishing the SARC "I hope that, above all, the fact that we have the highest level of convictions in the country will send the message to women that they can get help and support, that the police and other agencies are committed to both providing care and support for victims...and ensuring that those who perpetrate these crimes are brought before the courts."
The SARC also offers 24 hour access to specially trained rape crisis workers, emergency contraceptive, sexual health advice and onward referral to rape counsellors.
Anybody wishing to report a sexual assault should contact Cleveland Police on 01642 326326. Reports can also be made anonymously to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 01642 516888 and access to the full range of Sexual Assault Referral Centre services is assured even in cases where the victim does not wish to make a report to the police.
Victims of rape and sexual assault can also contact Women's Support Network on 01642 822331, Eva Women's Aid Rape Crisis Service on 01642 835079 and SEARCH - Sexual Abuse & Rape Counselling in Hartlepool and Stockton on 01429 891 151.