by Alexis Akwagyiram BBC News Online

On the beat with CSOs John O'Callaghan and Michael Sullivan

CSOs are a new addition to the streets across the UK.

Around 3,500 CSOs are currently working in England and Wales.

To the untrained eye they could be confused with police constables or traffic wardens.

In reality, they are a new breed of police support staff.

Although they are unable to make arrests, CSOs have the power to detain people for up to 30 minutes and can tackle minor anti-social behaviour - for example confiscating alcohol and tobacco from minors.

They were introduced with the aim of tackling low level crime and anti-social behaviour.

But are they worthwhile?

On Patrol

Michael Sullivan, a 36 year-old CSO based in Harlesden, north London, is convinced they are.

He and fellow CSO John O'Callaghan regularly patrol the Stonebridge estate, which houses 4,000 people, and neighbouring St. Raphael's estate.

In September 2001 700 police officers were involved in a raid on the Stonebridge estate in which 40 people were arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.

It is comforting that they are there if needed, especially given that there has been a lot of trouble around here recently Ray Salim

In April 2003 Kavian Francis-Hopwood, a 21-year-old college student, was shot dead on the estate.

Harlesden topped the police league for the highest murder rate in Britain in 2001 .

"People are genuinely pleased to see us and seem to be reassured by our presence," enthuses Mr Sullivan, who has been a CSO for one year.

"It is a very positive role because the emphasis is on building links with the community - it is very rewarding.

"When I first began on patrol people assumed that I was around because something had gone wrong - they were surprised to see us on the streets. Now we are more familiar, they have warmed to us."

Kavian Francis-Hopwood was killed in Harlesden in April 2003

As we wind our way through rows of tower blocks, passers-by smile and say hello, bus drivers wave and some people even invite us in for a cup of tea.

But the job is not all about leisurely strolls.

Around mid-afternoon the pair are called to a disturbance involving a group of teenagers.

'Eyes and ears'

It soon emerges that two warring families on the Stonebridge estate are embroiled in a bitter argument that threatens to spill over into violence.

The pair set about quelling the disturbance, speaking to both sides and acting as mediators and warning that any form assault would lead to police intervention.

"This type of disturbance is likely to crop up when youngsters are on summer holidays," says John O'Callaghan.

He adds: "Two PCs could have dealt with that incident, but because of us there is more time for officers to deal with more important calls, such as violent crime.

"We are the eyes and ears of the force. If we come across a particularly dangerous situation we use our radios to inform police officers, who will attend the scene."

After resolving the conflict, both men agree that it would be useful to maintain contact with both sets of families over the coming days, weeks and months to ensure that the truce remains intact.

CSOs wear a stab-proof vest, but do not have the handcuffs and baton carried by police officers, making it important that they do not overstep their limited powers.

It is because of this that they always patrol in pairs.

Criticism

On Monday David Blunkett announced the Home Office five-year plan, which will create an extra 5,000, on top of the 15,000 announced recently in the government's spending review, bringing the total number of CSOs to 25,000 by 2008.

But not everyone agrees they are a good idea.

North Wales deputy chief constable Clive Wolfendale criticised plans to increase the number of CSOs, arguing they cost almost as much as a police officer but with far fewer powers.

But during the patrol Mr O'Callaghan's comments about being the "eyes and ears" of community policing appear to be vindicated when they discover a stolen car after receiving a tip-off form an elderly pensioner they regularly visit.

Both CSOs visit 90 year-old Nora Slight around twice-a-week to ensure the frail pensioner is in good health, something she appreciates a great deal.

Nora Slight says CSOs remind her of old-style 'bobbies'

She said: "They pop in just to make sure that I'm fine and they are very kind.

"It is good to have them around - they make me feel safe."

Mrs Slight, who has lived in Harlesden for 68 years, says the pair remind her of the old-style 'bobbies' on the beat.

Her feelings are echoed by younger members of Harlesden's community.

Ray Salim, 24, a telecommunications worker, believes they are a welcome addition to the streets.

He said: "I have seen them around and I would definitely approach one if I was in trouble.