THAMES Valley Police is using volunteer workers as part of a controversial initiative to bolster front line policing.

Chiltern District Council is backing police chiefs in their efforts to draft in more volunteers to take care of administrative work and other so-called desk jobs which take up police officers' time.

The aim of the scheme, announced to local authorities in Buckinghamshire late last month, is to on patrol at the forefront of crime reduction and prevention.

At a meeting of executive committee on Tuesday, councillors offered to help recruit more volunteers through its Chiltern Chronicle magazine.

After the meeting Cllr Don Phillips, council leader, said recruiting volunteers would help boost police cover for the Chiltern district but warned: "It is not the perfect solution. The perfect solution is to have long-serving, well trained, experienced constables who are visible on our streets. Strictly that's not so.

"People know that there is this desperate need and and we want to support the police in our own interests. They do have manpower problems."

About 13 volunteers are currently working at police stations around the Chiltern Vale police area, which includes towns such as Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe but police chiefs are keen to get more on board.

Buckinghamshire county councillor Cllr David Meacock (Con, Amersham East) also backed the scheme but said issues of competence and training were important.

He said: "I think the first test is competence but you don't find lawyers writing their own letters. They have secretaries. So why shouldn't the police. "

Thames Valley Police is also keen to attract more volunteers to the Special Constabulary the police forces' voluntary arm.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "Both the volunteers and the Specials on the area are effective and professional and their support is extremely valuable. They all receive a high standard of training and work well with our regular staff.

"We are actively looking to recruit more volunteers in the future to enhance the service we provide to the public."

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Georgie Bolton or Maria Holt on 01494 465888.