CSOs have been described as the "eyes and ears" of the police

Community Support Officers (CSOs) carry out patrols and tackle anti-social behaviour but do not have the power of arrest that police officers have.

The latest recruitment drive will bring the number of CSOs in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire to 373.

But the local police federation has said the money would be better spent on recruiting fully-empowered officers.

CSOs have been described as the "eyes and ears" of the police and part of their aim is to give reassurance to communities by offering high-visibility patrols.

'Minimal powers'

Supt Sharon Gibbons, of West Mercia Police, said the 301 new officers would "play an important role in delivering our local policing plans, working with communities to solve neighbourhood problems".

But Andy White, chairman of the police federation in the region which represents rank-and-file officers, said the money would be better spent on recruiting police constables.

"Members of the public will probably see a uniform and be happy with that. What they don't realise is that they (CSOs) have minimal powers," he said.

"We think the money would be better spent on getting a fully-empowered police officer patrolling our streets."