A POLICE constable could soon be giving police forces sobering lessons on dealing with drunks.

Nick Edgar, 27, is also likely to pick up a masters degree with a research programme into drink-related violence and crime.

The South Bank PC has been awarded a Bramshill Fellowship for his research programme which, during the next 12 months, will look in detail at drink-fuelled offences and the way police tackle the problem worldwide.

He aims to find the best working practices and blend them together to create a blueprint for Cleveland, which could be adopted nationally.

PC Edgar will be investigating schemes operated by forces across Europe and North America.

"The binge drinking culture and the follow-on problems of public disorder and violence is not just a problem in the UK," said the former research chemist.

"There has been very much zero-tolerance, but they are now introducing rehabilitation programmes for offenders where alcohol has been an issue," he said.

"Most of my research will be through Teesside University, but I hope to travel to see some of the schemes in action. The aim is to reduce alcohol related crime. It will be a lot of work but I think it can be done."