The PCSOs have the power to deal with disorder

The last of the force's 70 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) began their patrols on Wednesday.

The officers are working in Leeds and Bradford to complement the role of "fully-fledged" coppers.

Their job is to provide highly visible patrols and reassure local communities.

Youth work

Chief Superintendent Grahame Bullock said: "The first wave of PCSOs were introduced last month and have already been well received by local people.

"Uniformed police officers are also finding that they are a valuable tool in the fight against crime."

All the PCSOs have completed a three-week training programme in Wakefield.

They wear a uniform similar to a police constable, and have limited powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and disorder.

But the officers are able to detain suspects for 30 minutes.

As well as providing street patrols, the PCSOs give community advice on crime prevention and carry out youth work in schools.

The new civilian officers have been funded by the Home Office and the Bradford Urban Renewal Fund.