One in three police officers opposes the government's community support officers scheme, with many comparing the officers to "problem children", according to research published today.

A survey of rank and file police officers found that 33% disapproved of CSOs, with only 39% in favour of them, the survey - carried out for the Police Federation - revealed.
Officers claimed they were aware of CSOs with criminal records, a CSO who took class A drugs, another "suffering from mental health problems", and one who was recruited without an interview, according to the survey.