We do not think a case has been made out for these people to have any police powers

Kevin Morris Police Superintendents' Association

The plan is for CSOs, with the power to detain suspects for up to half an hour, to help regular police officers with routine patrolling.

The idea is a key part of major reforms that prompted thousands of police officers to take to the streets in protest two months ago.

The MPs' report coincides with the second reading in the Commons of the Police Reform Bill, which has been defeated several times in the Lords.

Peers objected to the powers of detention and plans to replace detention officers in police stations with private security guards.

But the committee said: "We recognise the genuine concerns about the powers to be given to community support officers, but believe that the only way of finding out whether this proposal will work is to try it."

Whistleblowers

The MPs said the CSOs should not be given the power to conduct intimate body searches.

They also questioned the proposal to give the home secretary the power to intervene in failing forces, saying it should only be used as a last resort.

The committee advised against setting up a new policing standards unit, and called for further measures to reduce the number of police retirements on medical grounds.

It urged further reform of police disciplinary procedures and for police officers to be covered by the Public Disclosure of Work Act, which protects whistleblowers.

Blunkett is determined to introduce reform

Committee chairman Chris Mullin said: "No-one has seriously questioned the need for police reform.

"This Bill contains many desirable measures - we have concentrated on the most controversial."

Home Office Minister John Denham responded: "The driving force for community support officers has come from the police themselves, in particular the Metropolitan Police Service.

"I am pleased that the committee has recognised that CSOs could play an important part in supporting the police and that the powers we are proposing should be tested."

'Confusion'

He said the CSOs would tackle low level crime and anti-social behaviour, to free up officers' time to work the frontline.

But Mr Denham stressed the government's determination to reverse efforts by the House of Lords to water down CSOs' powers and deprive the home secretary of the power of intervention.

The minister said: "Everyone has the right to expect high standards of policing - wherever they live.

"The government remains convinced that powers to tackle persistent poor performance are required."

Case 'not made'

But Police Superintendents' Association President Chief Superintendent Kevin Morris thinks the CSOs should have more limited powers.

"We do not think a case has been made out for these people to have any police powers," he said.

"Preventative and reassurance patrols in the shape of wardens are already working and would not lead to uncertainty and confusion for the public."

The Metropolitan Police has been very supportive of the CSO concept and could have 500 on London's streets by the end of the year.