POLICE in County Durham have launched a drive to recruit new-style community support officers.
The officers, who tackle "quality of life'' offences such as dog fouling, anti-social behaviour and drunkeness, have been in Darlington for six months and recently started work in Durham.
More than 24 officers are expected to take to the streets of Chester-le-Street, Derwentside and Sedgefield in the next few months.
Chief Inspector Neil Malkin said: "Our community support officers are not there to replace local beat bobbies but to enhance the service they provide.
"Anyone interested in becoming a community support officer will find the job stimulating and rewarding."
Advertisements for the posts are appearing in local newspapers but people can also write for an application form to the personnel services department, at police headquarters, Aykley Heads, Durham, enclosing a self-addressed envelope with 42p of stamps
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