POLICE have attacked government plans to give security guards, store detectives and even bouncers the power to make arrests.

Police Officers fear Home Secretary David Blunkett wants to sign them up to boost numbers. Workers at high street store Dixons have already become specials to catch shoplifters. And staff at at least one hospital are being recruited to patrol the grounds after work.

Now security guards are set to become specials who can make arrests and hold suspects.

But chairman of the Police Federation Jan Berry said: "We are very concerned by the idea that the role of specials should be extended. We are strongly opposed if it involves making employees of accredited security organisations into special constables with full police powers. All police officers must at all times be under the sole command of their chief officer. If they are dual reporting to an employer it would be unworkable and unacceptable."

Rank-and-file officers fear the policy could then be extended to include shop guards and even bouncers. The Home Office confirmed Mr Blunkett wanted to use security guards as specials. It said: "While working as a security guard there may be occasions when it is appropriate for a special constable to use their powers. Obviously this would be done in partnership with their employer."

Source - The Mirror