Northumbria Police's first PCSOs started work in Gateshead

The force already has 51 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), with another 43 due on the streets in the first two months of 2005.

The first 15 PCSOs started work in Gateshead in 2003, closely followed by officers in Wallsend and Sunderland.

Since January, the PCSOs have made 250 arrests in Sunderland alone.

PC Shaun Connolly ,of Sunderland area command, said: "The PCSOs are an essential source of information and intelligence which helps officers to target offenders and hot spots more effectively.

"Since January the PCSOs have been responsible for over 250 arrests for drunkenness and disorderly behaviour in the city as well as helping their police colleagues arrest those wanted for breaching bail and subject to court warrants.

"This sends the right message to criminals that it is no longer safe for them to continue to commit crime. For the general public, the presence of the PCSOs helps reduce crime and the fear of crime."