Northumbria Police's first PCSOs started work in Gateshead

Northumbria Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) started work in Sunderland in January and have helped in 50 arrests so far.

They work alongside police officers and their main role is to work with the community to increase reassurance.

The force said it had received positive feedback from residents about the additional resource.

Chief Inspector Steve Hopkirk, of Sunderland Area Command, said: "These additional recruits to the Northumbria Police family have made a real impact in a short time.

"They support the work of police officers and provide a visible and reassuring presence on the streets of Sunderland."

Match day patrols

There are 15 PCSOs based in the city as part of a three-year project funded by the Home Office.

Another six started work in March in the west of Sunderland and are funded through a partnership arrangement between the police and the Single Regeneration Budget.

Among the team's success are tackling youth disorder at the Park Lane Interchange bus depot and working with Sunderland Royal Hospital to improve on-site security for staff and visitors.

They have also targeted disorder and underage drinking in residential areas and carried out additional patrols on football match days.

The PSCOs wear a distinctive uniform with blue epaulettes, ties and cap bands.