The government has published plans to reform the police service.

The Home Office's national policing plan for the years leading up to 2008 was published on Wednesday.

Ministers say they want to establish a "citizen-focused police service" which responds to the needs of communities and individuals.

"It is the job of government to help and support the police service to deliver effectively," said Home Office minister Hazel Blears.

Under the proposals, community support officers will have powers to search suspects for dangerous items.

The new bill will also allow them to deal with beggars, direct traffic, handle some licensing offences and take suspects' photographs on the street.

Jan Berry, who chairs the Police Federation for England and Wales, said: "We are strongly against increasing CSO powers.

"They are meant to be the eyes and ears of police on the ground, but placing them in confrontational situations will be a danger for the public, a danger for them, and will ultimately create more work for police officers."

Ministers also published yesterday their legislation to tackle serious and organised crime.

It includes measures to extend the law of harassment to deal with animal rights activists who target scientists and the creation of the Serious and Organised Crime Agency - seen as the British FBI.

Writing in the Mirror. David Blunkett says: "Any home secretary serious about beating crime must also be serious about tackling drugs. I'm serious about both."