WEST Yorkshire Police have the second highest number of community support officers in the country.
Home Secretary David Blunkett says the county has 224 police community support officers, second only to the Metropolitan Police in London.
They work full time and provide a visible, uniformed, on-street presence to reassure local communities. But they have fewer powers than police officers.
Their role focuses on tackling anti-social behaviour and dealing with issues that affect people's quality of life.
This includes reporting vandalism and suspicious activity, as well as providing crime prevention advice.
Chief Insp Shaun Tunstall, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "The fact we have the second highest number of such officers outside London reflects our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour and increasing public reassurance by providing high-visibility patrols.
"The officers are a valuable part of the extended police family. We have had very positive feedback from both officers and the communities they serve that they are making a difference."
Chief Insp Tunstall added: "We are delighted with the contribution they make. With more recruits joining us, by April 1 we will have 275 such officers on the streets."
