PSCO's are about as much use as ASBO's and Chocolate fire guards. If civilians are to be employed in the police force let them do the vast amounts of paper work currently done by proper coppers and get the said coppers out on the beat were they should be.

FEF, Tewkesbury,

Neither police nor 'hobby bobbies' are of any use apart from for collecting taxes. All that pay and so little commitment.

judy, liverpool, england

If Jacqui Smith feels the need to save money on policing let her withdraw the police that are wasting their time guarding politicians. Then the politicians can start finding out what the public really think of them.

Chris, Derby,

Poor Jacqui Smith.

Britain needs a competent Home Secretary.

Foreigners must think that Britain is a joke.

We have the most useless female politicians in the world.

Ruth Kelly, Harriet Harman and Jacqui Smith are Blair's creations.

We need competent ministers, gender is immaterial.

esward leigh, wigan, england

However limited the powers of PCSO's are, at least here near Reading they are a friendy face that you can speak with about things. I would much rather speak with one of them rather than the aloof "real" policemen who mostly seem to potter about in cars looking down their noses at everyone.

ok, Near Reading, UK

Blunkett's bobby's. Just like him, useless.

Roger, Surrey,

Thats a surprise..pcso's , no powers and a complete waste of time, effort and money

Ian Elsom, Okotoks / Calgary, Canada / Alberta

Don't worry everyone. Jacqui Smith will be seeking new employment within the year (if she's not doing so already).
If she's lucky she'll get the minimum wage.

Bill Q, Derby,