From today, police community support officers (CSOs) in the Durham Constabulary area could have the power to detain suspects who refuse to provide their name and address, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced today. The Home Office also published today new research on CSOs showing that the public have a high level of satisfaction with the work of CSOs. Ms Blears said: "Community support officers, in addition to record numbers of police officers, are a key part of the Government's strategy to tackle crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Allowing Chief Constables to give extra powers to CSOs will make them even more effective in helping to build safe communities. "The results of our evaluation of CSOs are very encouraging. It indicates that CSOs are making a real difference to the communities they serve, helping in the fight against crime and freeing up police officer time. It shows clearly that CSOs are valued by the public and police officers." The main initial findings of the Interim National Evaluation of CSOs showed: * CSOs spend the majority of their time on high-visibility duties. * In areas where they patrol the public are aware of an increased policing presence. This appears to having a positive impact on public perceptions of safety. * Where the public have had contact with CSOs there is a high-level of satisfaction with them, while they have been well accepted by police officers that work closely with them. * The evaluation shows that the job attracts CSOs from diverse backgrounds. 17% of CSOs are from ethnic minorities and 39% are women.   

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