Police fears over civilian patrols

Civilian patrols are to take the place of police constables walking the beat, it was claimed today.

A senior police leader warned that Community Support Officers could also replace armed officers guarding embassies.

Bob Elder, chairman of the Police Federation constables' branch, warned the job of the constable would be reduced to answering 999 calls "to be called out only when the real trouble starts, arriving like the cavalry, armed to the teeth".

Speaking at the federation's annual conference, he said the introduction of the Police Community Support Officer would eventually lead to the end of the sworn constable walking the beat.

PCSOs were first introduced in London to provide security patrols in Westminster following the September 11 attacks but their role has now been expanded.

Today about 1,500 PCSOs are deployed across London. The Met says they play a vital role as the "eyes and ears" of police.

However, federation leaders fear a report by former RUC chief, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, will recommend a dramatic reduction in the number of Pcs.

They claim he will propose that civilian support officers take on more duties of constables.

Mr Elder said: "This flies in the face of what the Government has been trying to do for the past four years, which is to increase the number of sworn police officers."