Police community support officers now have the power to detain suspects who refuse to provide their names and addresses.

Government research shows the public has a high level of satisfaction with the work of community support officers but there is confusion over their powers.

The report also says "there is limited evidence as to whether their presence has an impact on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour."

Home office minister Hazel Blears said: "Giving them the power to detain suspects will make them even more effective in helping to build safe communities. The results of the evaluation show that CSOs are valued by the public and police officers."