Police community support officers in Essex will have to wait until the new year to find out if they will be granted powers to detain suspects.

PCSOs were recently introduced by the force to help tackle low-level crime and boost police presence on the streets.

Derided by some as "plastic policemen", they have substantial powers, but rely on conventional police officers to arrest criminals they spot offending.

Following a Government policy announcement on Wednesday, chief constables can now hand PCSOs the power to detain people who refuse to provide their name and address.

But a spokesman for Essex Police said a decision would not be taken until after January 1.

Published Friday, December 24, 2004

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