TOUGHER new powers are to be given to controversial community support officers (CSOs) as part of a neighbourhood police shake-up.

The officers have been dubbed "plastic policemen" by critics who question their effectiveness.

But under new plans drawn up by North Yorkshire's Chief Constable Della Cannings, they will be able to use reasonable force and be given limited detention powers when dealing with trouble.

They will also be able to issue penalty notices on yobs for disorder, graffiti and a range of drink-related offences.

Currently, CSOs issue fines for dog fouling, the dropping of litter and can seize cigarettes from underage teens and ask them to surrender booze.

Police chiefs argue that, because CSOs focus on low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, other officers and detectives can concentrate on tackling more serious crimes.

A police authority report states the CSOs main role will still be to offer high-profile reassurance on the streets - but powers have been extended to deal with a small number of "isolated, but difficult" circumstances.

Proposals will be discussed at a meeting of the North Yorkshire Police Authority in York on Monday.

Also on the agenda are plans to create 53 dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs), ranging in size from several members in large patches, to one in smaller areas.

The areas have been drawn up based on local boundaries, population and crime levels and will see "significantly more officers dedicated to communities" than under the present beat system.

Officers dedicated to NPTs will be known as Neighbourhood Police Officers and each team will be sergeant led.

A report by Chief Constable Cannings said teams will consist of police officers, CSOs, specials and will be boosted by volunteers including Neighbourhood Watch members.

Larger neighbourhoods, such as ward areas in York, will be further divided into "micro-beats", as part of the shake-up the report said.

The chief constable said: "The public will have a real say in local policing issues and setting local priorities."

But she added: "It is essential that, while there are internal changes to structures and roles, this transition is seamless to communities."

The report says that North Yorkshire Police is already "a good way down the neighbourhood policing path".

Forces have been asked to nominate a "test unit" - and York's central area has been nominated as a pathfinder from autumn.

North Yorkshire Police's plans, due to be rolled out in stages from next month, will be discussed at The Folk Hall, New Earswick, from 10.30am.

Updated: 09:57 Saturday, March 19, 2005