MPs on the home affairs committee have criticised ministers for not doing enough to cut paperwork for the police.

"The overall priority for police forces is, and must continue to be, a reduction in crime and the fear of crime," said chairman John Denham.

"Police reform is definitely moving in the right direction.

"A huge amount of progress has already been made and many aspects of the reform programme are working well.

"However, despite good attempts to reduce bureaucracy, too many officers are still at their desks dealing with paperwork when they could be out on the beat, policing on the front line and giving the public the visible presence they need and want."

Tony Blair yesterday confirmed plans to increase the number of community support officers on the streets.

The prime minister said that by 2008, it was intended there should be 24,000 CSOs, with a presence in all neighbourhoods.

This would help ''free-up'' some 12,000 police officers from back-room duties, he insisted.