The latest recruits to a new support force for the Metropolitan police take to London's streets on Monday.

Police community support officers (PCSOs) have undertaken duties in Westminster since September, but now they will also patrol Camden, Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea and Lambeth.

The civilian officers have no powers of arrest but can detain suspects and are designed to act as the eyes and ears of the Met.

By the end of April, 200 PSCOs will be introduced to 15 London boroughs which have security issues or Safer Streets status.

'Extra resource'

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Bryan said: "They will be working in specific community roles to tackle local problems and the quality-of-life issues such as litter and graffiti that we know many Londoners are concerned about.

"Community Support Officers are an extra resource for boroughs and I am sure local residents and business will be reassured by their visible, permanent presence on the streets."

Other boroughs that will be receiving PCSOs are Hammersmith, Barnet, Haringey, Islington, Ealing, Hackney, Enfield, Brent, Croydon, Lewisham and Southwark.